General Dallaire on Kwibuka 30

GENERAL DALLAIRE ON KWIBUKA 30

My brothers and sisters of Rwanda,

As we reflect on the events of thirty years ago, the indescribable loss and the biblical inhumanity, I hope you will join me in also looking ahead with strength, hope, joy and peace. For these are the qualities that Rwanda represents for me. This is why Rwanda is home to the Dallaire Institute for Children Peace and Security, to advance this mutual legacy across the continent, and the world.

When I returned to Rwanda last year, revisiting my old UN headquarters in Kigali and the significant sites of the war throughout the country, I met with many Rwandans who were born after 1994. These beautiful, positive, luminous young adults were so joyful and enthusiastic, and I quickly realized why: they had been blessed with an extraordinary gift from the previous generation – the gift of Unity. The gift of Peace.

The past thirty years in Rwanda have stood as the most profound example of noble and brave peacemaking I have ever witnessed; perhaps that ever existed. The level of forgiveness and grace demonstrated by the Rwandan people has been glorious, and will stand for all time as an example to the rest of the world.

What once stood as a symbol of the depth of humanity, now stands as its height. I join you in celebrating Rwanda and its people, who are leading all of Africa by the example of moral strength and commitment to harmony and prosperity.

From the land of a thousand hills comes the beacon of lasting peace now and forever.

Yours as ever and always,

Roméo Dallaire