Rwanda is marking the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with people from different walks of life sharing what this period means to them. Observed every year from April 7 over the 100 days that follow, Kwibuka is a time to honour the victims, stand with survivors, and renew the commitment to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 32: Six must-watch documentaries on Genocide against the Tutsi From young people to survivors, many emphasized the importance of preserving memory, confronting genocide denial, promoting unity, and safeguarding the progress Rwanda has made over the past 32 years. Theodat Siboyintore, Ibuka representative in Huye District For me, Kwibuka is an important moment for people to take time and revisit history together. When people remember together—whether they are two or three—it helps them not feel alone. ALSO READ: Memory, responsibility, and vigilance: The role of youth Sometimes someone may think they are the only one affected, but when they realize that others share the same pain and experiences, they understand that they are not alone. For me, it is a valuable time for people to come together and share their thoughts, while also creating space to remember those we lost, especially since many of us spend time speaking and reflecting about them. Serge Mutabazi, artist and fitness enthusiast The commemoration period is a time for reflection. It reminds us how vulnerable we are as a country and why we must come together to form an unbreakable bond of love that stands against hate. ALSO READ: New initiative to keep Genocide memory alive through film In this era of technology, genocide ideology is spreading faster than ever before, and it is our duty to stand together and fight against it. As a post-genocide youth, the more I grow, learn, and understand Rwanda’s history, the more I feel it is my responsibility to stand up against genocide ideology and the misinformation that comes with it. Irene Kagoyire, mother of two and genocide survivor As survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, remembering is our responsibility. Commemorating does not mean we have forgotten—or will ever forget—the painful history we went through, or the loved ones who were taken from us in such a cruel and humiliating way. We remember, and we will always remember, because that is the only way to honour those who were lost. The message I want to give to the youth is that they must refuse to listen to those who try to distort history and drag Rwanda back into the darkness it once experienced. Young people are the guardians of what has been achieved. You are the strength of nations. In the past, some young people destroyed Rwanda by turning against their fellow citizens. Instead of using their energy, intelligence, and knowledge to build the country, they used them to destroy it. We ask today’s youth to do the opposite. But young people today are being asked to do even more, because they are growing up in a country free from discrimination and division—a country that has built unity among its people. Dr. Pravda Mfurankunda, educator and civic leader, University of Rwanda Kwibuka strengthens my commitment to rebuild and shape my life around resilience, despite the trauma of losing my mother and relatives during the Genocide against the Tutsi. In confronting genocide denial, I emphasize evidence-based civic education grounded in survivors’ testimonies. It is important to empower young people with critical thinking, as well as media and digital literacy, so they can detect distortion and misinformation. I also advocate for open and respectful dialogue that challenges denial while upholding the truth. To better preserve our history, we must strengthen documentation and intergenerational learning to ensure that the truth is accurately maintained and passed on. This should foster a culture of vigilance and responsibility, translating remembrance into action toward ‘Never Again.’ Innocent Muramira, lawyer For residents of Rwanda, this period is meant to comfort victims and reaffirm ‘Never Again’ to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. We hope that justice will continue to prevail and that perpetrators, wherever they may be hiding, will be brought to account. Pacifique Rubayiza, youth and digital consultant I did not witness the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, but I grew up in its shadow—through stories, silence, and the pain that still exists in our society. For me, Kwibuka is not just about remembrance; it is about learning and carrying a history I did not live but deeply feel is part of who we are as Rwandans. I believe my generation must take ownership of this history, protect the truth, and ensure it is never forgotten. Sandrine Munyana, driver at SORWATHE factory in Rulindo It is very important for young people to take part in commemoration because it helps us learn from the past and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. It restores the dignity that was taken from the victims and prevents denial from distorting our history. Commemoration also sends a message to the world, so others can learn from Rwanda’s experience and avoid similar tragedies. My fellow youth should understand that it is now our responsibility to carry forward the legacy of the Inkotanyi—not only by joining the army, but by keeping their spirit alive through promoting unity among Rwandans.
