The Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA) on Sunday, May 17, 2026 used its 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to renew calls for education to be central in confronting genocide ideology and safeguarding Rwanda’s unity.

The commemoration, held at the University’s Masoro Campus in Kigali, brought together government officials, staff, students, Genocide survivors, families of victims killed at the institution’s former Mudende Campus in what is now Mudende Sector, Rubavu District.

Among those remembered were more than 40 AUCA students, staff members and their relatives who were killed during the Genocide after many had sought refuge at the university.

It is estimated more than 3,000 people who sought refuge then, were killed when found on the campus.

Speakers at the event reflected on the university’s painful history while emphasizing the role of higher learning institutions in preserving truth, promoting critical thinking and shaping a generation capable of resisting divisionism.

In line with the 32nd commemoration activity, 32 students shared messages of remembrance, hope, and comfort as they read out the names of genocide victims who worked at the former AUCA campus in Mudende.

AUCA’s commitment to educating for peace

AUCA Vice Chancellor Dr. Pacifique Nizeyimana said the commemoration was both a moment of remembrance and a reminder of the institution’s responsibility to educate for peace.

"A university is meant to be a place where minds are nurtured, where the future is built, and where the values of humanity are upheld,” he said.

"Yet the Genocide against the Tutsi did not spare AUCA. Many who sought refuge there believing they would find safety instead lost their lives,” he added.

He said AUCA’s journey from Mudende to Masoro reflects both the destruction caused by the Genocide and the resilience that followed.

"Because of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the university was destroyed and forced to close its doors. Though the journey has been long, we rose again, rebuilt ourselves and continue to move forward,” he said.

Education and the fight against Genocide ideology

Charles Karakye, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, who attended as guest of honour, said the events at Mudende remain a painful reminder of how deeply the Genocide affected Rwanda’s education institutions.

He noted that the massacres were particularly tragic because they unfolded in spaces that should have offered sanctuary.

"It is especially tragic that the Genocide was carried out in institutions of education and even within faith-based institutions,” he said.

Karakye warned that while Rwanda has made significant strides in rebuilding, Genocide ideology continues to evolve, particularly through digital platforms – an issue that must be dealt with to foster unity.

"Today, Genocide ideology continues to disguise itself, particularly through social media platforms. There are those who deny the Genocide, minimise it, or seek to mislead young people through falsehoods,” he said.

He urged students to critically engage with information and study history in order to challenge distorted narratives.

"It is essential to critically examine what you hear, commit yourselves to reading widely, and understand the true history of our country.”

Karakye said education remains one of the strongest safeguards against future atrocities.

"Education is a pillar for building lasting peace and preventing genocide. It shapes mindsets, instills values and builds complete citizens.”

Calls for vigilance against divisionism

Irene Niyitanga, who represented Ibuka – an umbrella organisation representing Genocide survivors in Rwanda – at the event underscored the warning, calling on young people to remain vigilant against divisive tendencies.

He said Genocide ideology should not be viewed as a distant threat.

"We should not deceive ourselves into thinking those who fuel such ideology are far away. Some are among us,” she said, citing continued attacks and intimidation against survivors during commemoration periods.

He urged both parents and the youth to uphold the values of unity and reconciliation as Rwanda continues its journey of healing.

Survivor recounts Mudende massacre

The commemoration also featured a testimony from Jean de Dieu Habyarimana, a survivor of the Mudende massacres, whose account offered a sobering reminder of the events that unfolded at the former AUCA campus during the Genocide in April 1994.

He recounted how his family fled toward Mudende after violence erupted following the crash of former President Juvénal Habyarimana’s plane.

Their home was burned as they escaped.

When they reached the university grounds, they believed they had found safety. Instead, they encountered rejection and betrayal.

He recalled how his elder brother pleaded with a church leader to open the doors for those seeking refuge.

"The very person who had baptized us and taught us about love rejected us in our moment of greatest need,” he said.

Later, after moving to Busasamana parish with thousands of others, an attack began.

At first came civilians armed with stones and crude weapons. Later, soldiers arrived.

"We thought we had been saved. Instead, they opened fire,” he recounted.

Jean de Dieu Habyarimana survived by hiding beneath bodies.

Of the 3,855 people counted at the parish before the attack, he said only a handful survived.

"Only about 20 of us could stand afterwards. Fourteen died on the way. Only six survived.”

Despite the trauma, he said Rwanda’s recovery demonstrates the power of reconciliation and national rebuilding.

"Today, ethnicity no longer defines us. What defines us is our shared identity as Rwandans.”

A legacy shaped by the Genocide, and a commitment to preventing future atrocities

Pr. Dr. Hesron Byiringiro, Chairperson of the AUCA Council, who also doubles as President of the Rwanda Union Mission (RUM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, said the university’s presence in Masoro is itself evidence of how profoundly the Genocide altered its course.

"When the university that would become AUCA was established in Mudende, no one could have imagined it would one day operate here in Kigali. Our presence here is itself a consequence of the Genocide,” he said.

He called on the younger generation to carry forward the commitment to ensure such atrocities never happen again.