07 April - Genocide Memorial Day Rwanda

 

April 7th is observed as Genocide Memorial Day in Rwanda. This day  marks the beginning of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994.

During the Rwandan Genocide, which lasted for approximately 100 days, an estimated 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were systematically killed by Hutu extremists. The genocide was fueled by longstanding ethnic tensions and political divisions within Rwandan society.

Genocide Memorial Day serves as a time for reflection, remembrance, and honoring the victims of the genocide. It is a day to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, to acknowledge the survivors, and to reaffirm the commitment to preventing such atrocities from happening again.

On this day, Rwandans participate in memorial ceremonies, visit genocide memorials and mass graves, and engage in acts of commemoration and mourning. It is a solemn occasion that reminds the world of the tragic consequences of hatred, intolerance, and division, and the importance of promoting peace, reconciliation, and unity.

07 April - Metric System Day

 

Metric System Day takes place on April 7 every year. Now often used as a synonym for the International System of Units (or S.I.), the metric system is a system of measurement used in most countries of the world except the United States and a few other countries. The metric system was introduced by France in 1799 and it’s an original, decimal-based (based on powers of 10) measurement format based on meters and kilograms. Base units in the metric system include kilograms, meters, and liters. The metric system also uses the Kelvin scale (or the Celsius scale) to measure the temperature. The decimal-based prefixes in the metric system include milli, centi, deci, and kilo. However, these prefixes are not used with the temperature degree.

07 April - Geologists Day

 

Geologists Day is an official holiday for geologists, geophysicists and geochemists in Russia and other former states of the Soviet Union, Established in 1966, the holiday is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday of April.

Geologists Day was initiated by a group of prominent Soviet geologists headed by academician Alexander Yanshin. It was established by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet on March 31, 1966, to commemorate the achievements of Soviet geologists after the discovery of petroleum in West Siberia.

The timing of the holiday, the first Sunday in April, was chosen because it marks the end of winter and beginning of preparation for summer field work and expeditions.

Geologists Day is traditionally celebrated in almost all geological and mining organizations of the former Soviet Union with festivities starting at the end of preceding week. In addition to geologists, many others involved in related fields also consider this day as their professional holiday and celebrate it. 

07 April - Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day (Tanzania)

 

Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day is indeed observed in Tanzania on April 7th each year. This day commemorates the life and contributions of Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, a prominent Tanzanian politician who played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence and its post-independence development.

Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume was born on August 4, 1905, in Zanzibar, which was then a British protectorate. He became actively involved in politics and was a key figure in the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964, which led to the overthrow of the Sultanate of Zanzibar and the establishment of a republic.

Karume served as the first President of Zanzibar from 1964 until his assassination on April 7, 1972. His leadership was characterized by efforts to promote unity, social justice, and economic development in Zanzibar.

On Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day, Tanzanians honor his memory and reflect on his contributions to the country. It is a day of remembrance, respect, and recognition of Karume's role in shaping Tanzania's history and politics. Various events and ceremonies may be held across the country to commemorate this day, including speeches, tributes, and community gatherings.