When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered a wreath at the Kigali Slaughter Memorial in Rwanda on Thursday, it was a heavy visit with political and perhaps personal importance.
This site contains the remains of more than 250,000 Rwandatchi tribes who were slaughtered by Hutu militants in the spring and summer of 1994.
Former Canadian General — Later Free Senator — Romeo Dallaire, an early supporter of Trudeau, led a peacekeeping mission that failed to prevent the genocide. Did.
Over 100,000 Tutsi people have died in an organized campaign over 100 days. The
Prime Minister paid tribute to federal leaders gathering in Kigali, especially when discussing human rights and growing food insecurity on the continent.
The slaughter monument contains not only the remains of the victims, but also photographs and personal belongings.
Trudeau was greeted by the Center's Managing Director , who had the opportunity to speak to the survivors of the genocide.
Many of the victims' names have not yet been collected and documented, and many of the victims sleeping in the tombs are unknown.
Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, visited the place on Wednesday.
After offering a wreath, Charles — the first member of the royal family visits the country — is Paul Kagame, who played a major role in the victory of the army that ended genocide. I met the president.
Trudeau met Kagame separately on Thursday.
Canada expands diplomatic mission in Kigali
Human rights groups as organizers of federal conferences in Rwanda because of restrictions on Kagame's press freedom and the arrest of prominent critics I have been criticizing for a long time for choosing. 52} And allegations that authorities did not conduct a credible investigation into the cases of enforced disappearances and suspected deaths of government opponents.
Former German and later Belgian colony Rwanda in 2009 because of opposition to federal human rights. Was accepted by the Commonwealth. Initiatives and Human Rights Watch.
Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced on Wednesday that Canada will upgrade its diplomatic mission in Kigari to embassy and high commissioner. The ambassador is also appointed to the African Union.
As a member of the Commonwealth, "We know that Rwanda is playing a leading role and making a lot of progress," Jolly said. "That's why it's strategic to be here. I believe we need to hear Canada more than ever. To do that, we have more tools, more resources, more resources. You need boots on the ground. "
