Citizens of Rwanda need to take an active interest in democracy in order to prevent a repeat of 1994’s genocide, Rwandan Ambassador to the United Nations Joseph Nsengimana said today.

“It is by bad politics that the genocide has been possible,” he said. “We need a consensus on important issues.”

Nsengimana was the keynote speaker for the second and final day of the conference, “Post Genocide Rwanda: Achievements and Challenges,” which took place in various rooms throughout the University Union on Friday and today.

In 1994, the Rwandan Civil War, which had begun four years earlier, evolved into a genocide motivated by ethnic cleansing. It lasted approximately 100 days and resulted in the murders of an estimated one million people.

Nsengimana said that although democracy is a familiar concept throughout the world, it is not always implemented the same way, due largely in part to cultural differences.

In Rwanda, he said, the focus needs to be on the guarantee of equality for all citizens.

“A new culture emphasizing the right of individuals must be promoted,” he said. “A culture of human rights (encourages) the citizens to take over the legal instruments.”

In order for this to occur, Nsengimana said the citizens need to be provided with a forum for open debate to take place, and a majority of the population needs to weigh in on fundamental issues pertaining to the country.

He also said that compromise and understanding in Rwanda are the keys to help the nation heal.

“We know there will be no peace without reconciliation,” he said.

The event was organized by the Pan African Studies Program and the Ethnic Studies Department, Friends of Rwanda Association and University of the Pacific’s School of International Studies.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Joe Sheley was astounded by the conference.

“This conference is a source of pride for me personally and it’s a source of pride for the university,” Sheley said. “The wonder and optimism that is…embodied in (the ethnic studies) program amazes me.”

The conference culminated tonight with a fundraising event organized by the Friends of Rwanda.

Natalye Childress Smith can be reached at [email protected].

To read about the first day of the event, click here.