Kigali: 08^th April 2019:

Today, the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Ngirente Edouard, paid tribute to the ten Belgian peacekeepers massacred in Rwanda during the Genocide against the Tutsis in April 1994. The ceremony took place in the former Camp Kigali where the 10 Belgian soldiers were killed. It was organized by the Kingdom of Belgium.

The ceremony was attended by the Belgian Prime Minister, Right Honourable Charles Michel, who was accompanied by a large delegation of around 130 persons from Belgium (including family members of the 10 Belgian peacekeepers who were killed in Rwanda).

In his speech, the Rwandan Prime Minister acknowledged the presence in Rwanda of the Right Honourable Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium and his entire delegation on the occasion of the 25^th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis in April 1994.

He recalled that the 10 Belgian peacekeepers had come to Rwanda, to contribute to peace, but they were savagely killed. He insisted that Rwanda will always remember their courage and sacrifice in fighting evil.

The Prime Minister used the opportunity to highlight that a quarter of a century after the Genocide, Rwanda has resolutely chosen to turn the page on the future. He also hailed Belgium for being on the side of our country on this long journey to reconstruction.

He further revealed that the greatest tribute to pay to the 10 killed Belgian peacekeepers is to always cement strong existing ties between our peoples and our two countries.

The Premier concluded his remarks by thanking once again the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium and his delegation for their presence in Rwanda at the beginning of the three long month commemoration to mark the 25th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis. He also expressed his appreciation on the good collaboration existing between the two nations.

Click here read the full speech of the Prime Minister.