Biden Honors Victims of Rwandan Genocide on 30th Anniversary
President Joe Biden had paid tribute to the hundreds of thousands of lives lost and reiterated the United States’ solidarity with Rwanda in their time of remembrance, marking the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.
In his poignant statement obtained by Excel Magazine International on Sunday, Biden’s statement reflected on the atrocities that unfolded three decades ago, stating, “On this day 30 years ago, a brutal and systematic campaign of slaughter began in Rwanda.”
He emphasized the scale of the tragedy, noting that “more than 800,000 women, men, and children were murdered,” with the majority being ethnic Tutsis.
Describing the genocide as a “methodical mass extermination,” Biden highlighted its enduring impact, both within Rwanda and globally.
He underscored the importance of acknowledging the suffering endured by the Rwandan people and commended their resilience in the face of such devastation.
“As Rwanda begins its annual Kwibuka period of remembrance, the United States stands with the people of Rwanda in their grief,” Biden affirmed.
“We honor the victims who died senselessly and the survivors who courageously rebuilt their lives.”
The President also praised the ongoing efforts of Rwandans towards reconciliation and justice, acknowledging their commitment to healing and unity.
“We will never forget the horrors of those 100 days, the pain and loss suffered by the people of Rwanda, or the shared humanity that connects us all, which hate can never overcome,” Biden concluded, reaffirming the enduring importance of remembrance and solidarity in preventing such atrocities from happening again.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
Statement from President Joe Biden on the 30th Commemoration of the Genocide in Rwanda
On this day 30 years ago, a brutal and systematic campaign of slaughter began in Rwanda. In the 100 days that followed, more than 800,000 women, men, and children were murdered. Most were ethnic Tutsis; some were Hutus and Twa people. It was a methodical mass extermination, turning neighbor against neighbor, and decades later, its repercussions are still felt across Rwanda and around the world.
Today, as Rwanda begins its annual Kwibuka period of remembrance, the United States stands with the people of Rwanda in their grief. We honor the victims who died senselessly and the survivors who courageously rebuilt their lives. And we commend all Rwandans who have contributed to reconciliation and justice efforts, striving to help their nation bind its wounds, heal its trauma, and build a foundation of peace and unity. Those efforts continue to this day.
We will never forget the horrors of those 100 days, the pain and loss suffered by the people of Rwanda, or the shared humanity that connects us all, which hate can never overcome.
