In a show of solidarity with the people of Rwanda, the Qutub Minar was illuminated with the colors of the Rwandan national flag on Sunday, commemorating the 100-day massacre in 1994 that resulted in the loss of 800,000 lives. Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi from the Ministry of External Affairs represented India at the 30th remembrance ceremony of the genocide in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
Sharing a post on X, the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote, “In solidarity with the people of Rwanda, India lit up the Qutub Minar today, marking the UN International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.”
“Secy (ER) Dammu Ravi represented India at the 30th commemoration of the genocide today in Kigali,” the post read.
In solidarity with the people of Rwanda, India lit up the Qutub Minar today, marking the UN International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Secy (ER) Dammu Ravi represented India at the 30th commemoration of the genocide today in Kigali. pic.twitter.com/Ys8tQvcyjB
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 7, 2024
Historical context
Rwanda observed the 30th anniversary of the genocide perpetrated by armed Hutu extremists, which devastated the nation. The 1994 Rwanda Genocide (Kwibuka 30) stands as one of the deadliest massacres of the 20th century.
According to Al Jazeera, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda led the commemorative ceremony on Sunday, laying wreaths on mass graves in the capital city of Kigali. The event was attended by numerous foreign dignitaries, including leaders from South Africa and Ethiopia. Former US President Bill Clinton, who described the genocide as the greatest failure of his administration, was also in attendance.
Following a 100-day killing spree that began on April 7, 1994, and resulted in the deaths of nearly 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus, the rebel group Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) seized control of Kigali in July 1994.
India and Africa’s Roadmap Further
Interestingly, Dammu Ravi, the Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (Economic Relations), is currently on a visit to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya from April 7-12, accompanied by Puneet R Kundal, Additional Secretary (East and Southern Africa). On Sunday, April 7, Dammu Ravi held meetings with Rwandan officials including MoS for Foreign Affairs James Kabarebe, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Uzziel Ndagijimana, and MoS for Agriculture Eric Rwigamba in Kigali.
“Secy (ER) Dammu Ravi called on MoS for Foreign Affairs James Kabarebe, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Uzziel Ndagijimana and MoS for Agriculture Eric Rwigamba of Rwanda in Kigali. Discussions covered issues of bilateral interest,” the MEA wrote in a post on X.
“He is also expected to hold meetings with Ministers and senior officials of the Government of Rwanda,” the MEA said in a press release.
Additionally, he will also hold meetings with ministers and officials of the Ugandan government. Moreover, he is scheduled to chair a business session with leaders of Indian and Ugandan industries. Furthermore, he is expected to engage with the Indian community in Uganda.
Furthermore, the press release revealed that “Secretary (ER) will then travel to Kenya leading a large delegation consisting of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Indian agricultural companies, and business chambers from April 10-12.”
This visit is a follow-up to the decision made during the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and the President of Kenya during the latter’s visit to India in December 2023. During the delegation’s visit, they will explore the possibility of agricultural farming in Kenya, among other objectives.
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