Today, Rwandans in the country and those across the world will be joined by the rest of the global community to mark the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Click here to follow LIVE the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
There are several activities lined up for the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Paul Kagame will lead a group of invited dignitaries as they lay wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. They will accompanied by survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The delegates will then head to Kigali Convention Centre, where key remarks will be made, testimonies about the Genocide given, and performances that include songs by local and international artistes for a special commemoration event.
In the afternoon, a Walk to Remember will take place, setting off from Parliament Building in Kimihurura at 5 p.m. to Amahoro Stadium.
At 6 p.m, a Night Vigil at the stadium will take place, with local and foreign officials and guests, Genocide survivors, and the youth joining in the activity.
Several foreign dignitaries have joined Rwandans in the country for Kwibuka25, including heads of states and governments from around the world as well as leaders of key international organisations and regional blocs.
Events to mark the 25th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are now ongoing at Kigali Genocide Memorial. Earlier, the secretary general of La Francophonie former, Louise Mushikiwabo and former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo paid their respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Paul Kagame and other distinguished VIPs will shortly arrive at the Kigali Genocide Memorial to lay wreaths at the final resting place of more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The President will also light the flame of remembrance.
At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, President Kagame will be joined by a number of high ranking officials from across the world including, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of African Union & Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission.
President Kagame and invited guests have paid their respects to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The President also lit the flame of remembrance that will burn for the 100 days.
Events to mark the 25th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi will now continue at the Kigali Convention Centre.
After the Nationa Anthem, Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Richard Sezibera welcomes guests attending the 25th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Paul Kagame has arrived at Kigali Convention Centre where he'll be delivering a keynote speech.
Foreign affairs Minister, Dr. Richard Sezibera is now making welcome remarks at the 25th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. His speech was followed by that of the Executive Secretary of CNLG, Jean-Damascene Bizimana.
Events to mark the 25th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi continue with ‘Umurinzi’, a theatrical performance’ which symbolises the importance of remembrance.
'Umurinzi’ means 'guardian' in Kinyarwanda. In Rwandan cultural tradition, umurinzi tree was planted where a loved one lived, or where they lost their life, as a symbol to keep their memory alive.
"The excellent leadership of President Kagame coupled with the resilience of Rwandans is what has made Rwanda move forward. Rwanda's commitment to reconciliation is a testament to honouring victims and it's a lesson for the world to have hope in reconciliation" said Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed.
President Kagame is now addressing guests gathered for the 25th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Kigali Convention Centre.
"For those from here or from outside who think our country has not seen enough of a mess and want to mess with us, in defense of those children you saw and our nation, I want to say, we will mess up with them big time"
"We claim no special place, but we have a place to claim. The fighting spirit is alive in us. What happened here will never happen again" the President warned those who want to distablise Rwanda.
**********************
WALK TO REMEMBER
President Paul Kagame has arrived at Parliament where the Walk to Remember will start as mourners head to Amahoro stadium where a night vigil will be held.
In the walk, President Kagame and First Lady Mrs Jeannette Kagame are joined by Prime Ministers of Ethiopia and Belgium, Mrs Tayachew, Former President Obasanjo, thousands of youth and various friends of Rwanda.
Walk to remember is meant to rally the populace to fight Genocide ideology.
The ‘Walk to Remember’ takes place every year in Rwanda and across different cities in the world.
Participants who have been taking part in the WalkToRemember2019 are now at the Amahoro National Stadium where they've joined thousands of people gathered at the stadium for the Night Vigil
Speaking at the Night Vigil, Ibuka president, Dr Jean-Pierre Dusingizemungu, reminded the survivors that the country has done everything to secure a better future for them and do their best to play their role in nation building.
Dr Dusingizemungu added that, "As Genocide survivors, the support from Rwandans and friends of Rwanda during commemoration period, reassures us once again that we have a country that cares for us & does everything to help us heal from the wounds left by the Genocide."