On Monday April 7, Rwanda marks the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a solemn period of remembrance observed by Rwandans and friend of Rwanda worldwide. As the nation continues its journey of healing and reconciliation three decades later, prominent local celebrities have stepped forward to share messages of solidarity, hope, and remembrance while also committing to participating in commemoration activities throughout the week and beyond. These expressions of support come as a significant milestone in Rwanda's history, reflecting on both the painful past and the remarkable progress made in rebuilding the nation. Their voices join the collective call to honor the victims, support survivors, and reinforce the pledge of 'Never Again' that has become central to Rwanda's national identity. Here is why they said ahead of Kwibuka31: Saranda Mutoni, Poet and Actor On this 31st commemoration, we are once again called to honor the memory of over a million souls lost to political greed and hatred. We stand in deep solidarity with the survivors whose grace and strength remain a lasting testament to the depth of the human spirit. Your extraordinary resilience has shaped every step of Rwanda’s journey to remember, to unite, and to renew. Junior Giti, Music Manager I was only two years old in 1994.Too young to understand, but old enough now to feel the weight of what happened. As I grew up, I listened and learned. The pain, shaped us all. Today, I honor the lives lost, the survivors, and the resilience of our people. We remember. We stand together. Never forget. Never again! Audia Intore, Singer Rwanda endured a profound wound, and we all share the responsibility to protect it from further harm. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi left Rwanda standing only through our collective strength and resilience, a promise we must safeguard forever. Remembrance has united Rwandans despite those who sought to divide us, and rebuilding remains our answer to those who oppose Rwanda's progress. As we remember, we also rebuild ourselves. I carry a light, and you carry hope together, we illuminate Rwanda's path forward. To all wounded hearts, I offer comfort; to Rwanda and all Rwandans, I pledge support. This will never happen again. We are the light of Rwanda. Patycope, music promoter As young Rwandans, during this period of remembrance for those we lost in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, we must stand firm against genocide ideology wherever it appears. This responsibility is particularly crucial as some continue to use social media platforms to distort our history. We are the custodians of our nation's progress and must lead efforts to overcome divisions that hinder building the Rwanda we envision. Rwanda remains resilient—what happened will never be allowed to happen again. Vanessa Ariane Irakoze, Actress 31 years later, we come together to remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As young Rwandans, we may not have lived through it, but we live with its impact every day. We carry the responsibility to honor the past by shaping a better future, one built on unity, truth, and peace. We are the generation that chooses unity over division. We choose love over hate. We choose to build not just for ourselves, but for those who never got the chance to see this future. DJ Diddyman, disc jockey I am Rwandan, you are Rwandan, we are Rwandans, Kwibuka31. The Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in 1994 should be commemorated by everyone. We stand in solidarity with those who were affected by the atrocities of 1994. With all my strength, I will always strive to be a Rwandan who preserves our history and fights against those who seek to deny or distort it. Angelo Muhinde, comedian As we mark the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, we honor the memory of the over one million lives lost. We stand with the survivors, symbols of strength and hope who continue to rebuild with grace. May this season of remembrance guide us all toward unity, healing, and peace. Nel Ngabo- Musician As we commemorate 31 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, we remember the lives lost and stand with the survivors. As youth, let’s use our voices and platforms to fight the denial of the genocide against the Tutsi and protect the truth.
