Combat those distorting Genocide history, Minister Irere says at Rukumberi

The Minister of State for Education, Claudette Irere, has urged Rwandans to fight denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda's history, warning that distortion undermines the country’s commitment to “Never Again.” “History is a teacher that never grows old, and Rwanda must actively resist those who seek to distort it for political or personal gain,” Irere said during the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rukumberi, Ngoma District on Sunday, April 19, 2026, ALSO READ: Ibuka raises concerns about genocide ideology in Nyabihu The minister noted that the history of Rukumberi, formerly part of Sake and Mugesera communes, as well as Bugesera, reveals a long-prepared genocide that was systematically executed. “The discussions and testimonies about this region show that persecution of Tutsi began long before 1994, she said. They were forced out of their homes and brought here under harsh conditions. The divisive ideology gradually escalated into the killing of innocent people we commemorate today. ALSO READ: Mwulire remembers those who resisted killers during Genocide Irere stressed that history must teach Rwandans a lasting lesson, especially for younger generations. “What we went through should teach us about the dangers of discrimination. As adults, we have a responsibility to instill unity and good values that reject hatred, she said. Young people did not experience this, but they must learn from it and challenge those who try to distort the history. Commemoration is a moment to reflect on where we came from.” She also expressed concern that, 32 years later, some victims’ bodies have yet to be recovered, urging anyone with information to come forward. Irere conveyed her solidarity with Genocide survivors, reaffirming continued government support . “We have good leadership committed to ensuring that Genocide never happens again. The forces that stopped the Genocide are still present and even stronger today. Take comfort,” the minister said. Survivors’ testimonies described the extreme brutality that unfolded in Rukumberi within a short period. The scale of the killings was exacerbated by the area’s geography, which made escape nearly impossible. Tutsi were gathered in one place, killed with traditional weapons, and then shot at with guns, Aloyziya Nyamwari, a survivor, recalled. We were surrounded by Lake Mugesera, Lake Sake, and the Akagera River on the Bugesera side. If you tried to flee, you ended up going in circles, which made it easier for the killers to wipe out many people.” During the commemoration, 11 recently recovered remains of Genocide victims were given a dignified burial. Survivors called for stronger preservation of the Rukumberi’s history—through documentation and digital archiving—to ensure it is never erased. The Rukumberi Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for more than 45,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

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Combat those distorting Genocide history, Minister Irere says at Rukumberi