On December 21 and 22, 2024, a significant ceremony was held in Dallas, Texas, to remember the Congolese Tutsi who were killed in Mudende Camp in Rwanda in 1997. This event aimed to honor the over 1,000 victims of the massacre, reinforce the values of peace, and continue the pursuit of justice.
The Mudende Camp, located in western Rwanda, hosted Congolese Tutsi refugees who had fled the atrocities of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Unfortunately, such violence persists, with the Congolese government still targeting its Kinyarwanda-speaking citizens.
During two major massacres (July 1996 and December 1997), armed groups attacked the camp, killing more than 1,000 people in brutal acts.
This commemoration was organized through the collaboration of various organizations, including ISOOKO Mutuality, United Congolese Community (UCC), and Forum Amis de la Paix (FAP), in partnership with the remembrance commission. Forum Amis de la Paix, founded in 2008 in Gihembe Camp, has long been involved in remembrance activities, advocacy for refugees, and educating about such atrocities.
This year’s theme was: “Remembering, Seeking Justice, and Combating Hate.” Participants were encouraged to continue honoring the victims, promoting peace, and advocating for measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
Some of the messages of hope and solidarity shared included:
- We remember the Congolese Tutsi who were killed in Mudende Camp in Rwanda in 1997. We continue to pursue justice.
- 27 years have passed, and though their voices are silent, their legacy urges us to do good every day.
- To remember Mudende is to pair peace with humanity.
In his address, Eng. Kamanzi R. Eric, the leader of Forum Amis de la Paix, extended condolences to the families of the victims and thanked all those involved in organizing the event. He stated: “Forum will continue to collaborate with others in the journey to seek justice, combat genocide ideology, and stop the ongoing violence targeting people in our country.
The two-day commemoration included discussions on the history of Mudende, testimonies from survivors, prayers, and a ceremony of lighting the flame of hope. There were also efforts to raise funds to support families in need and to amplify advocacy on refugee issues.
Commemorating the Congolese Tutsi killed in Mudende is a vital act of resilience against a tragic past, serving as a foundation for building a peaceful future. The organizers extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this effort to preserve history and advocate for justice.
