President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame on Tuesday joined thousands of Rwandans in the annual “Walk to Remember,” marking the start of the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The procession began at the Gasabo District Offices and ended at BK Arena, where a commemoration night was held. Participants included youth, artists, athletes, journalists and government officials.
Earlier, national leaders and citizens gathered at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi to honor victims of the genocide, in which more than 1 million Tutsi were killed over 100 days from April to July 1994, according to official figures.
At the arena, Kagame lit the Flame of Hope, symbolizing the country’s recovery from the 1994 atrocities and its commitment to unity and resilience.
April 7 is observed as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and marks the beginning of 100 days of remembrance in Rwanda.
In remarks marking the occasion, Kagame said Rwanda would not allow a repeat of the genocide, criticizing the international community for failing to act despite warning signs at the time.
“No one will die the way they did then. You cannot kill people twice,” he said.
He said remembrance remains essential in helping Rwandans preserve unity and prevent divisions that led to the genocide.
