15 Years

This month marks 15 years since the deadly Rwanda Genocide.

The tiny African country has come a long way since the days when a million bodies blocked the waterways and roads. "The land of ten thousand hills" is supposed to be one of Africa's most beautiful hidden gems. There was nothing beautiful in the merciless killing of so many.

I digress. As many problems that plague Rwanda, it has somehow manage to unify and fight towards reconciliation and building a positive future rather than dwelling on the past. There are lots of examples (the rise of women in government, the rebuilding of the country's education and health care systems, etc) but challenges still exist.

Its important that the international community not forget that only 15 years ago we complacently stood by as a modern day Holocaust took place. This is also an opportunity for us to remember that in Sudan, the Bashir government is acting in a similar way. Lets not stand by again.

If you're unfamiliar with the genocide in Rwanda and need basic information on the event, I recommend watching the movie Sometimes in April. The Hollywood favorite Hotel Rwanda (although starring the amazing Dan Cheadle) is not accurately depicted in the way Sometimes in April is. Otherwise, there are thousands of website dedicated to the Rwandan Genocide, including the ICC's Tribunal for Rwanda.