Members of the Rwandan diaspora, grouped under Ibuka Europe, an umbrella organisation for Europe-based organisations of survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, have committed to continue defending the truth and memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. With branches across the continent, the group seeks to educate communities, confront denial and distortion, and support survivors, while preserving Rwanda’s history in regions where misinformation and the voices of perpetrators may still exist. Leaders of Ibuka branches across Europe gathered in Berlin from November 1-2 for their annual general assembly, reaffirming their shared responsibility to preserving the memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, strengthening unity among survivors, and passing on the legacy of resilience to younger generations. ALSO READ: The unfulfilled promise of ‘never again’: Reflections on Rwanda Ibuka Europe currently has registered branches in Belgium, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. ALSO READ: Ibuka petitions EU as Sweden releases Genocidaire Each year, the network convenes its general assembly in one of the countries to review progress, renew leadership, and align on strategies to address emerging challenges. This year’s assembly was hosted in Berlin and chaired by Honorine Mujyambere, Chairperson of Ibuka Italy and the current head of Ibuka Europe. The meeting was also attended by Philibert Gakwenzire, Chairperson of Ibuka Rwanda, representing the umbrella body at home. Discussions in Berlin focused on the future of Ibuka and its central role in ensuring that the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi continues to be told accurately, especially amid rising trends of denial and distortion. ALSO READ: Kwibuka31: Countries supporting FDLR must be held accountable - Ibuka Delegates from all nine European countries shared their experiences in mobilising survivors, commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi, and engaging local communities. The assembly also served as a moment of renewal, with newly elected leaders of Ibuka branches in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands officially welcomed into the broader Ibuka Europe family. A moment of silence was observed in memory of the late Christine Safari, former Chairperson of Ibuka Netherlands, who passed away in March 2025. Participants paid tribute to her tireless advocacy for survivors and her enduring dedication to Ibuka’s mission. ALSO READ: Ibuka mobilises aid for needy Genocide survivors “Her passion and commitment will remain an inspiration to all of us,” said Mujyambere, noting that Safari’s legacy exemplified the spirit of service that defines the Ibuka network. As part of their activities in Berlin, participants visited the ‘Topographie des Terrors', a museum documenting the history of Nazi Germany and the Jewish holocaust. The assembly concluded with a visit from Ambassador César Igor, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, who commended the delegates for their dedication to preserving the memory of the Genocide and supporting survivors in the diaspora. “Ibuka plays an essential role in ensuring that the world never forgets what happened in Rwanda,” he said. “Your commitment to remembrance and education strengthens the global fight against genocide denial and hate ideology.” ALSO READ: Ibuka symposium: Amb. Cesar stresses need to remember Genocide against the Tutsi As the assembly closed, members reaffirmed their mission to preserve the dignity of survivors, advocate for justice, and transmit Rwanda’s history to the next generation. Plans were also discussed to expand Ibuka Europe’s educational outreach and deepen partnerships with schools, museums and human rights institutions across Europe.
