As Rwanda commenced the national mourning period on April 7 to mark the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda across the globe joined in remembrance, honouring the more than one million lives lost in the tragedy. Beyond Rwanda’s borders, diaspora communities held solemn events that reflected on unity, resilience, and the ongoing responsibility to confront genocide ideology and denial. The commemorations were marked by symbolic activities including a Walk to Remember, candle lighting, moments of silence, survivor testimonies. Events were hosted at Rwandan embassies, United Nations offices, and other public venues, where Rwandans were joined by diplomats, scholars, government officials, and members of the general public. ALSO READ: Nations mark Genocide in show of solidarity with Rwanda Japan In Tokyo, Japan, the Embassy of Rwanda hosted Kwibuka 32 at the United Nations University, bringing together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, scholars, and the Rwandan community. In her keynote address, Rwaanda's Ambassador to Japan Marie Claire Mukasine emphasised that Kwibuka goes beyond remembrance. “Kwibuka is not only a period of mourning; it is also a time of responsibility, to preserve the truth, to confront denial, and to ensure that such atrocities never happen again anywhere in the world,” she said. ALSO READ: Top U.S. official: Kwibuka must go hand in hand with preserving historical truth, rejecting denial She stressed that the Genocide against the Tutsi was a systematically executed crime, rooted in historical divisions and fueled by an ideology of hate. While reflecting on the devastating loss of over one million lives, Mukasine also highlighted Rwanda’s journey of recovery, defined by unity, reconciliation, and sustained development. Representing the Government of Japan, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoaki conveyed condolences and solidarity with Rwanda, noting that healing remains a long process for survivors. He also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Rwanda. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, placed the commemoration within a global context, acknowledging the international community’s failure to act in 1994 and stressing the need for vigilance today. ALSO READ: Mozambique: Rwandan Security Forces mark Kwibuka32 Quoting UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Tshilidzi said: “It’s not enough to remember the dead. We must learn from past failures and protect the living.” Singapore In Singapore, Rwanda’s High Commission led a commemoration event attended by over 250 participants, including diplomats, government officials, and members of the Rwandan community. High Commissioner Innocent Muhizi underscored that the genocide was neither accidental nor spontaneous but the result of deliberate planning by the genocidal government. He also paid tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Army for ending the genocide and laying the foundation for national recovery. He warned that genocide ideology and denial continue to evolve, particularly through digital platforms and organised networks. “Silence in the face of denial is not neutrality. It is complicity,” he told participants, urging scholars and students to defend historical truth. The event also featured testimony from genocide survivor and author Dimitrie Sissi, reinforcing the importance of personal narratives in preserving memory. IN INDIA In New Delhi, India, the commemoration at Bharat Mandapam engaged young people through exhibitions, performances, and discussions. Around 450 students and educators participated in a morning exhibition where artworks depicted the horrors of the genocide alongside messages of peace and unity. Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, Jacqueline Mukangira, commended the students for their research and encouraged them to uphold the values of tolerance, human rights, and non-discrimination. The evening programme included a documentary screening, student drama performances portraying the planning and execution of the genocide, and a musical tribute. A message from the UN Secretary-General, delivered by the UN Resident Coordinator in India, reiterated the importance of remembrance and prevention. United Kingdom In London, United Kingdom, more than 400 people gathered at St Marylebone Parish Church for a solemn commemoration that brought together survivors, diplomats, faith leaders, and members of the wider community. Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, highlighted the continued need for justice and accountability, particularly for genocide suspects still at large. “Thirty-two years after the genocide, the United Kingdom remains the only country in the West where known genocide suspects continue to live untried,” he said, stressing that justice delayed undermines survivors’ quest for closure. A testimony by survivor Marie-Rose Rurangirwa reflected on the psychological scars of the genocide and the importance of recognising early warning signs of hatred and division. “As a child after the genocide, I carried an invisible weight, grief without language,” she said. Switzerland In Geneva, Switzerland, members of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, and the Rwandan diaspora gathered at the United Nations Office to mark the commemoration. The event began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Stele at Place des Nations, followed by a formal programme at the Palais des Nations. Speakers included UN officials and representatives of survivor organisations, who collectively underscored the importance of memory, truth, and accountability. Rwanda’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, warned that genocide ideology persists and has adapted to modern platforms. “The threats to historical truth remain present and have evolved,” she said, noting the rapid spread of denial and hate speech through digital channels. She called on states to fulfil their international obligations to prosecute or extradite genocide suspects, emphasising that accountability must not be undermined by time or distance. Survivor Reverien Rurangwa’s testimony highlighted both the horror of the genocide and the resilience of survivors, underscoring the need to pass on these lessons to younger generations. Egypt In Cairo, Egypt, Rwanda’s Ambassador Dan Munyuza emphasised that remembrance is a moral obligation, warning that genocide begins long before violence erupts. “Genocide does not begin with machetes and bullets. It begins with discriminatory words,” he said, urging vigilance against hate speech and extremist ideologies. He also pointed to ongoing security threats posed by genocidal forces such as the FDLR, stressing the need for international cooperation in combating such dangers. Korea Similarly, in the Republic of Korea, officials and diplomats highlighted Rwanda’s journey of recovery and the universal relevance of its lessons. Speakers emphasised the importance of confronting denial and ensuring that remembrance remains grounded in truth. Russia In Moscow, Russia, the Rwandan embassy marked the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in an event that brought together members of the Rwandan community, members of the diplomatic corps, Russian government officials, and friends of Rwanda. The event began with a walk through a curated exhibition titled “From Genocide to Rebirth,” which depicted Rwanda’s tragic past and its journey of unity, reconciliation, and development. The ceremony proceeded with a moment of silence, candle lighting, and the laying of wreaths in honor of the victims. In his remarks, Rwanda's Ambassador to Russia Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita recalled that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was not a sudden tragedy, but the result of decades of division, discrimination, and dehumanization. He described how the violence was carefully planned and carried out with devastating speed, leaving more than one million people dead in just 100 days. The Ambassador also warned that genocide ideology and denial continue to persist in different parts of the world, stressing that silence in the face of such dangers can lead to repeated tragedy. He particularly alerted on the current killing of Tutsi in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, especially the Banyamulenge in South Kivu. He called on the international community to uphold its responsibility to prevent genocide, ensure accountability, and make “Never Again” a reality rather than a slogan. Morocco In Rabat, the Embassy of Rwanda in Morocco in collaboration with members of the Rwandan community in the North African country, organized the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. Moroccan officials, diplomats, members of civil societies organisation, partners and friends of Rwanda assisted to the commemoration. The commemoration that brought together around 300 people began with the “Walk to Remember,” a solemn procession honouring the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. An exhibition on the history of Rwanda and the preparation of the genocide was presented, where Ambassador Shakilla Umutoni guided guests through the historical journey that led to the genocide, using photographic documentation. In her remarks, the Ambassador emphasized that the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi was the culmination of a carefully orchestrated plan of destruction spanning several decades: years of division, discrimination, dehumanization, repeated pogroms, exclusion, and persecution. She noted that Rwanda's post-genocide reconstruction is a testament to what can be achieved when a nation chooses to confront its past with honesty and courage. Zambia In Lusaka, members of the Rwandan community in Zambia and friends of Rwanda observed Kwibuka32 hosted by the Rwandan embassy. Rwanda's High Commissioner to Zambia, Emmanuel Bugingo, reflected on the significance of remembrance and the need to continue fighting genocide ideology. The Zambian government was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Energy and Environment, Dr. Douty Chibamba. A shared global responsibility Across all these commemorations, a common message emerged: remembrance must go hand in hand with action. From Asia to Europe and Africa and the Americas, Kwibuka 32 has not only served as a time to honour victims but also as a platform to renew global commitment to preventing genocide, confronting denial, and safeguarding historical truth. RWANDA IN THE HAGUE
