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Issue:- 20 March 2014

The Kwibuka Flame arrives in Liverpool
Photo in and report by L. Trollope

THE "Kwibuka Flame", which is visiting major Cities across the UK, arrived in Liverpool on Friday, 14 March 2014. This torch is a means of commemorating all those lives lost 20 years ago when during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, a million people perished when neighbour turned on neighbour; extremist Hutus incited others to kill the Tutsi in their midst and also more moderate Hutus who dissented. This was an event which traumatised a nation and horrified the world. The atrocities have been remembered every anniversary since by Rwandans and their supporters, but this is the 1st year which has featured the torch. This flame was originally lit in Kigali, the Rwandan capital in January 2014 and continues its travels until 7 April 2014; when the national mourning period commences.

Besides being a focus of remembrance for families and friends who are still struggling with the aftermath; so painful that many cannot speak of their experiences or burst into tears when faced with discussion, this flame also serves as a reminder to them and to others, ourselves in the UK included, as to the depths of depravity humanity can plummet to when prejudices and grievances, real or imaginary are allowed to fester and are likely to be exploited by evilly motivated people. Such incidences have scarred history and continue today. It behoves us all to be on our guard, for no nation is immune. Meanwhile, Rwandans have striven gallantly to build a more positive future and value the support given from within our communities.

During a simple ceremony in Liverpool Town Hall, on Friday, 14 March 2014, the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Gary Millar and other representatives received the torch. The Lord Mayor said:- "This is an opportunity to honour all of those who have suffered at the hands of extremists and ensure that their memories live on. It is vitally important that we never forget the 1 million people who died in just 100 days and the impact that had on their families and the great nation of Rwanda. We must also never forget all victims of genocide and other atrocities elsewhere in the world. I believe it is our collective responsibility to educate both the young and older to ensure that such hateful crimes do not take place in the future."

Local MP for West Derby, Stephen Twigg, added:- "Remembering honours and dignifies the memory those innocent lives lost in the genocide. We are honoured to be involved in the 20th anniversary commemorations of this significant date in history, I hope this serves as a reminder that such injustice will not be tolerated or forgotten."

Similar sentiments were echoed by others, including the Younger Lord Mayor, Jake James and Oliver, the Junior Lord Mayor, each of whom held the torch and agreed that it is important for younger people to hear the truth of what happened too.

Taking the torch on to its next destination, Leeds, are Rwandans, Richard Mutsinzi, who now lives in Leeds, but who visits Liverpool regularly during his work in the Home Office, and Philomene Mwamaliya, who works in the community in Liverpool. We wish them well on their journey.

Click on here to see more photographs from this ceremony.

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