Members of the European Business Chamber of Rwanda, the French Business Club in Rwanda, and the British Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda, on April 30, 2026, joined the country in the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, paying tribute to victims.
The event took place at Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District, Kigali.
It brought together members of these European business groups operating in Rwanda, who honoured more than 100,000 victims buried at the memorial. They reaffirmed their commitment to fighting Genocide denial and supporting Rwanda’s continued rebuilding.
Held during the ongoing 100 days of remembrance, included a guided tour of the memorial, where participants learned about the atrocities committed in the area. The victims laid to rest at the site include over 3,000 who were killed there after being brought from former ETO Kicukiro establishment, following their abandonment being abandoned by United Nations peacekeepers.
Participants observed a moment of silence and laid wreaths at the mass graves in honour of the victims.
Call to sustain remembrance and shared responsibility
Johanna Sandberg, Executive Director of the European Business Chamber of Rwanda, underscored the importance of remembrance, especially for international communities living and working in Rwanda.
"Every April is really important for us as a chamber. We respect the country we are in, and we contribute to keeping the story alive. ‘Never again’ must continue to be said, because sometimes history can start to feel distant for some people,” she said.
Sandberg observed that for many, visiting such memorials is a powerful reminder of shared humanity and responsibility.
"For some of us, this may be the first time at this site, but it is important to honour the people who were lost and to carry this message beyond Rwanda. We must continue sharing this message of humanity in our own countries,” she added.
Reflecting on the personal impact of the commemoration, she said,
"My daughter’s family is Rwandan, and every April reminds me that it could have been someone close to me. It brings the reality very close to home.”
Business community’s role in building a resilient future, commitment beyond remembrance
Joanna Nicholas, Chairperson of the British Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda, highlighted the role of the business community in shaping a peaceful and resilient future.
"None of us is here by accident. We have chosen to be in Rwanda, contributing by building businesses and creating jobs. I hope we are also inspiring young people to work hard and build a strong economy so that such tragedies never happen again,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sophie Tchatchoua, President of the French Business Club in Rwanda, stated that the Genocide against the Tutsi is a global concern that calls for collective responsibility.
"The Genocide is part of humanity’s history, not just Rwanda’s. It touches all of us. Today, we stand alongside Rwandans in solidarity,” she said.
She added that their commitment goes beyond remembrance.
"Through our economic activities, we are committed to rebuilding a peaceful Rwanda. ‘Never again’ must not remain just words; we must also fight all forms of denialism and work actively for peace.”
The Nyanza Genocide Memorial serves as a place of remembrance and education, featuring mass graves, monuments bearing victims’ names, and a Garden of Memory.