Ambassador of Rwanda to Korea Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi delivers a speech during Kwibuka 30, an event honoring the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi at Far East Broadcasting Company's headquarters in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Rwanda in Korea

The Embassy of Rwanda in Seoul held a ceremony Tuesday to mark the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Held under the theme of "Remember, Unite and Renew," Kwibuka 30 was joined by some 150 guests, including 14 diplomats, 37 ambassadors and members of the Rwandan diaspora in Korea at Far East Broadcasting Company's headquarters in Seoul.

In Rwanda, April 7 is observed as Genocide Memorial Day under the name "Kwibuka," which means "to remember" in the Rwandan language of Kinyarwanda.

"Rwanda has emerged from devastation, and its evident progress is testament to the difficult decision it has made," Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi, the ambassador of Rwanda to Korea, said during the ceremony, underscoring the country's journey for unity.

"The tragedy experienced by Rwanda serves as a cautionary tale. The process of division and extremism that paves the way for genocide can occur in any place if allowed to persist without intervention," the ambassador said, expressing gratitude to the attendees for solidarity.

The 100-day massacre in Rwanda was triggered by ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and Tutsi minority between April and July of 1994. Around 1 million Tutsis and thousands of moderate Hutus are estimated to have been killed under the country's Hutu-led government during one of the deadliest rampages of the 20th century.

Throughout the event, attendees held electronic candles to honor and remember victims and celebrate survivors' resilience and determination.

Members of the Rwandan community in Korea hold electronic candles to honor victims of the 1994 genocide during Kwibuka 30 in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Rwanda in Korea

Chung Byung-won, Korea's deputy minister for political affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the two countries' similarities in achieving peace after atrocities and conveyed Korea's commitment to working with the central African nation.

"Rwanda has been able to establish itself as a leader at the very forefront in African integration and innovation today because its people, overcoming the tragedy of the past, have moved forward looking to the future seeking harmony and the path of development," Chung said.

"Korea and Rwanda, bound by painful histories, share a remarkable aspiration for peace. Drawing upon our similar pasts, Korea stands in heartfelt remembrance of Rwanda's past and is determined to support Rwanda's inspiring step toward a brighter future."

"Rwanda's exceptional resilience and unwavering commitment to shaping its destiny," said Carlos Victor Boungou, the ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to Seoul who also serves as the dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Korea.

"We commend Rwanda for its achievements in reconciliation, justice, social cohesion and development in just one generation."

Rwanda topped the list of the 10 safest countries on the African continent with one of the lowest crime rates and high safety index in Numbeo's latest annual report on the crime index of African countries this year.

Ambassador of Rwanda to Korea Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi, front row 14th from right on the stage, poses with diplomats, ambassadors and attendees of Kwibuka 30 in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Embassy of Rwanda in Korea