April 7, 2009 marks 15 years since the onslaught of genocide in Rwanda

Rwanda Genocide Memorial (source: blog.digitaltavern.com)

First of all, I just heard a passing comment that today was the 15 year mark of the start of genocide in Rwanda while sleeping to CNN.  It was enough to get me up and start trolling the internet for related stories.  I have to say, as an American citizen, I am extremely disappointed at the lack of mainstream coverage of such a major event in our world’s history.  At the same time, I have to say that many of us here were only exposed through tidbits and perhaps watching Hotel Rwanda which has long been deemed a farce when it comes to an accurate depiction of the happenings in Rwanda and in that hotel.  At the same time, I still feel the movie did a good job of getting everyday America’s attention.  I recall leaving not just in tears but angry at my country for not doing SOMETHING.

Kudos to Huffington Post that does have some information published today in tribute.

REMEMBERING THE RWANDAN GENOCIDE 15 YEARS LATER (SLIDESHOW)

Over 1 million people were slaughtered (mostly Tutsis) in 100 days of war by genocide.  Women were raped, families divided as the Hutus sought to eliminate the Tsutis.  Some were lucky and fled to the DR of Congo.  Today, Rwanda works to rebuild from its painful past.  It was interesting to read that the majority of the surviving population is comprised of women.

Here are a few additional links I found online…

Global News- 3 Part Series “Rwanda’s Genocide 15 Years Later”

Part 1- MANY RWANDAN SURVIVORS ONLY NOW STARTING TO CONFRONT THEIR TRAUMA (Apr 6, 2009)

Part 2- ONE COMMUNITY WORKS FOR FORGIVENESS (Apr 6, 2009)

Part 3 (not available at time of this posting, will update with link)

BBC News–

RWANDA REMEMBERS GENOCIDE VICTIMS

RWANDA’S 100 DAYS OF GENOCIDE (slideshow)

PBS “Frontline: Ghosts of Rwanda”

BANISHING THE RWANDA NIGHTMARE: THE RESPONSIBLITY TO PROTECT

(UPDATE APRIL 10, 2009)

All week long, the blog Negrita’s Chronicles has been posting various tributes in memoriam of Rwanda genocide.  Check her out- http://inturire.blogspot.com/.  Her latest post speaks of an organization Candles for Rwanda– http://www.candlesforrwanda.org/ that I’ll be adding to my website/blogroll list.