Thirty years since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the Center for African Studies commemorated this terrible landmark event in African history. In an event co-sponsored by the UF College of Law and the Bud Shorstein Center for Jewish Studies, and chaired by CAS Director Miles Larmer, participants heard first-hand testimony from genocide survivor Consolee Nishimwe. Eloquently recalling her traumatic experiences, Consolee explained how her belief in humanity and her faith has helped her to build a life and for herself and to play an active part in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconciliation initiatives. Consolee’s testimony was given vital context by College of Law Professor Zachary Kaufman, who drew on his service at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and his decades-long study of the genocide and transitional justice initiatives. Prof. Kaufman explained the causes and context of the genocide, warning that ‘never again’ will remain an empty slogan as long as measures are not taken to prevent present and future genocides and mass atrocities.
In the second half of the event, the audience heard from UF researchers whose work is improving lives and contributing to Rwanda’s development. Jorge Hernandez, Professor of Veterinary Medicine, explained how research on the disease brucellosis in cattle that he and Rwandan PhD student David Kiiza are conducting is improving dairy production and increasing income in rural communities. Prof. Sarah McKune, of the Center for African Studies and the Department of Environmental and Global Health, likewise introduced attendees to her Rwanda-based research on how egg consumption can improve the health of mothers and children. While Rwanda has suffered appalling violence in its recent history, these researchers emphasized their optimism in the country’s ability to improve its peoples’ health, well-being, and prosperity.
Click here for information on the history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/rwanda/historical-background.shtml