Ibuka continues its pursuit for single sided genocide narrative by attacking U.S. Secretary Blinken

In a heartfelt plea, Ibuka, the leading coalition of associations representing survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has formally requested U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to revise a statement he made during the 30th commemoration of the genocide on April 7. Ibuka's appeal highlights a continuing discrepancy in the recognition of the events that transpired in Rwanda during that dark period.

During the commemoration, Secretary Blinken referred to the atrocities as "the genocide" or "the Rwandan genocide," and his statement recognized the suffering of "Tutsis, Hutus, Twas, and others." This characterization has sparked significant controversy because it contrasts with the United Nations resolutions which clearly define the events as a genocide specifically against the Tutsi.

The statement issued by Blinken was seen as not adequately distinguishing the Tutsi as the primary victims of the genocide, which was orchestrated by extremist Hutu factions intent on their extermination. According to Ibuka, this lack of specificity not only obscures the true nature of the genocide but also inflicts emotional pain on survivors who feel that the specific targeting of the Tutsi is being overlooked.

In their letter to Secretary Blinken, dated April 17, Ibuka expressed that survivors are "emotionally devastated and offended" by the U.S. government's failure to explicitly acknowledge the Tutsi as the genocide's main targets. They argue that such acknowledgments are crucial for accurate historical documentation and for the healing process of those affected.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in the global recognition and understanding of the Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and accuracy in official statements about such sensitive historical events.

Ibuka's request to Secretary Blinken calls for not only a revision of his statement but also for a broader reflection on how such events are recognized internationally. Ensuring that official narratives accurately reflect the targeted nature of genocidal acts is vital for justice and reconciliation.

The U.S. State Department has yet to respond to Ibuka's letter. The global community watches closely, as the outcome of this request could influence how historical narratives of genocide are shaped and preserved for future generations.

Meanwhile, Rwandan activists in prisons and those in the diaspora have relentlessly urged the international community not to overlook the lesser-known aspects of the genocide that occurred in regions like Kibeho.

These activists, including the late Twagiramungu Faustin, current presidential aspirant Nahimana, Ingabire Victoire, and countless others now in Rwandan prisons, argue that in Kibeho, Hutu refugee women and children were massacred in broad daylight by the victorious FPR army from Uganda, led by the well-known warlord Ibingira.

To date, Ibingira has not faced any courts of law for justice, either domestically or internationally.

This violence continued into Northern Rwanda and refugee camps in Congo, where, according to the UN mapping report, extremist FPR Tutsis killed over 10 million Hutus.