Government officials, artists, and youth leaders gathered on Thursday, June 12, for a special commemoration in honor of former staff of the Ministry of Youth and Associations Development (MIJEUMA), calling for stronger engagement in preserving truth and rejecting genocide denial. During the ceremony, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Jean-Damascène Bizimana reminded attendees that shaping a peaceful Rwanda is a responsibility shared by all citizens, from public servants to ordinary workers. ALSO READ: Mariya Yohana to launch second album honouring Rwanda’s Liberation heroes “This history is painful, but it offers powerful lessons,” Bizimana said. “It reminds us of the value of leadership that unites, guided by His Excellency Paul Kagame, and the importance of every citizen playing their part to build a Rwanda free of division and genocide ideology.” He also highlighted the origins of genocide ideology, pointing to the role of colonial influence and the Catholic Church in fostering ethnic division and exclusion from as early as 1959. Bizimana warned that some former ministry staff, along with athletes and artists, took part in orchestrating the killings in 1994. He urged today’s generation to follow a different path—one of truth, unity, and accountability. ALSO READ: Play4Kwibuka31: Football becomes a field of remembrance and reconciliation The event drew a diverse audience, including former MIJEUMA employees, youth leaders, artists, athletes, and associations that lost loved ones during the Genocide. Among the most moving moments was a poetic performance by Mashirika, Peace Jolis, and Junior Rumaga, who reflected on grief, memory, and the collective duty to speak out against denial. Minister of Youth Abdallah Utumatwishima challenged artists and sports figures to take their messages of peace further, encouraging them to visit memorial sites and use their platforms to educate and inspire. “We must not remain silent when our country is attacked by voices that distort or deny our history,” Utumatwishima said. “Artists must speak out through music, writing, and performance. They must stand up for Rwanda.” He pointed to the recent controversy surrounding Congolese-French artiste Maître Gims, whose concert was scheduled for April 7, a national day of mourning. The minister praised the Rwandan diaspora and remembrance groups abroad who successfully lobbied to have the show canceled. Utumatwishima also called on youth clubs and fan associations to lead by example, fostering civic awareness and national unity. Young Rwandans from the diaspora shared what they had learned from visiting memorials. Pedro Mugabe, 17, from California, said the experience deepened his appreciation for family. “One thing I liked is that people were willing to help after the Genocide,” he said. “That showed me that even when you don’t know what someone is going through, you can still help.” He added that anyone denying the Genocide should visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and read his father’s book, Preaching from the Grave by Phodidas Ndamyumugabe. Yannis Ferrier, from Oklahoma, said equality should be the foundation of how people treat each other. “We’re all created by God and should love one another. There’s no reason to fight each other.” Jaime Sosa, also from California, said the visit reminded him to value relationships. “Appreciate your loved ones. Life can change quickly, and we don’t know how much time we have.” Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire lit the flame of remembrance and encouraged young people to use their creativity to build a more inclusive future. “Our expressions through games and culture help create a country free of discrimination and division,” she said.
