Former footballer Patrice Evra, who began his visit to Rwanda by touring the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi on his first day in the country, extended words of comfort to Rwandans over the painful history the nation has endured, praising the country for rising above it and building a nation that its people can take pride in.
Evra, who played for major clubs including Manchester United in England and represented the French national team, said his visit to the Gisozi memorial moved him deeply, stressing that anyone visiting a country should understand its history in order to truly understand its people.
In a message shared on social media, Evra wrote: “My first day in Rwanda and I’m not disappointed at all! Whenever I travel, I feel it’s important to understand the history of the country to truly understand its people.”
The former footballer said his visit to the Kigali memorial touched him profoundly, as it allowed him to witness Rwanda’s history and the tragedy the country has lived through.
He said: “My visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial was deep, powerful and emotional.”
Evra also wished Rwandans healing from the wounds of their history, extending words of comfort over the painful legacy of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He said: “I want to say sorry for what happened to my Rwandan brothers and sisters. No words can ever change the past, but seeing what Rwanda has built and how the country continues to move forward is truly inspiring.”
The former Manchester United captain said he had met President Paul Kagame years earlier, but that after visiting Rwanda and gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s journey, his respect for him had grown considerably.
He said “I met your President a long time ago, but after seeing and understanding more about Rwanda’s journey, I have an even deeper respect for the way these difficult matters have been handled.”
He closed his message by stressing that history must continue to be remembered so that such events never happen again, and that efforts must be made to safeguard the future.
He said: “Respect Rwanda. The past must never be forgotten, and the future must always be protected.”
Patrice Evra is in Rwanda on a visit that has included meetings with government officials and tours of significant sites, during which he has expressed admiration for the country’s development and the way Rwandans have continued to build unity and shape their future following the difficult history the country has endured.
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