Soraya Hakuziyaremye, the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), urged Rwandans to turn the phrase "Never Again” into concrete action as regards efforts to ensure that genocide never happens again in the country or anywhere else. She stressed this as the central bank remembered its 22 former employees killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
During the central bank’s commemoration event, on April 10, current and former BNR employees, families of victims, and other government officials, honoured the memory of victims of the genocide and reflected on the tragedy that claimed over one million lives in 100 days.
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Hakuziyaremye paid tribute to the victims, acknowledging their contribution to the development of the bank and the nation in general. She called for continued commitment to unity, justice, and the fight against genocide ideology.
"We remember and honour our former colleagues not only for the lives they lived, but for the invaluable contributions they made to development of the central bank and our nation in general. As we commemorate, we must renew our commitment to unity, pursue justice without hesitation, and remain vigilant in confronting genocide ideology wherever it appears,” she said.
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She sympathised with the families of survivors, stressing that the loss of innocent lives was a result of institutionalised discrimination and a government that failed to uphold human rights.
"If over one million people were killed in just 100 days, it shows the extent of discrimination that existed in our country. It’s [now] the right time to reflect and condemn the bad government that introduced and executed this tragedy,” she said.
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Hakuziyaremye also stressed the need to hold accountable the international organisations that stood by, in silence, failing to intervene as innocent lives were being taken.
She added: "Some countries actively supported the genocidal regime, enabling the planning and execution of one of the most horrific tragedies in human history. Their inaction and complicity must never be forgotten, as they serve as a painful reminder of what happens when the world turns away in the face of injustice.”
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She acknowledged the pivotal role of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and President Paul Kagame, in ending the 1994 Genocide and laying the foundation for the country’s continuing development.
"We thank President Kagame who led RPF to stop the Genocide, and who continues to lead Rwanda to a better place. ‘Never Again’ should not just be words but it must be reflected in our actions. Rwandans have a responsibility to protect what we have achieved, to uphold unity, and to ensure that genocide never happens again. Not in Rwanda, not anywhere.”
Philbert Gakwenzire, the President of Ibuka, the association of genocide survivors, urged Rwandans to reflect deeply on the causes and effects of the genocide.
He said: "This is the time for Rwandans to unite, not be held back by our painful history, but to build and thrive together. We must continue to analyse how the genocide was planned and its lingering effects, and focus on justice for those who survived.”
Gakwenzire urged Rwandans to report any suspected genocide perpetrators still at large, whether in Rwanda or abroad, so they can face justice.
"We believe it is time to shift greater focus toward ensuring justice for survivors. While the Gacaca courts played a crucial role in addressing many cases, there are still suspects, both within Rwanda and abroad, who must be held accountable. We urge anyone with information about individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide to come forward and report them to relevant authorities. Justice must continue to be pursued, no matter how much time has passed.”