17.04.09 - RWANDA/GENOCIDE - RWANDAN OFFICIALS TO DIG THEIR POCKETS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ORPHANS

17 April 2009 By

Arusha, 17 April 2009 (FH) - Each member of Rwandan government will contribute at least an equivalent of US $ 200 for the "one dollar campaign" initiated by the Rwandan Diaspora to raise funds for orphans of the 1994 genocide, reports Hirondelle Agency.

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The government officials decided to put their hands in their pockets during a Council of Ministers meeting, which was chaired by President Paul Kagame, according to a statement signed by the Minister of Governmental Affairs, Charles Murigande.

Committed by Hutu extremists, the genocide from April to July 1994 resulted, according to the UN in nearly 800, 000 deaths, primarily ethnic Tutsis.

The statement said the members of cabinet also thanked foreigners who joined Rwandans on 7 April 1994 during the 15th commemoration of the genocide anniversary.

Among those who sent messages to remember the day included the US President Barack Obama, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; and the head of French diplomacy, Bernard Kouchner, among others.

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