President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame on Tuesday officiated the start of the 32nd Genocide Commemoration Week, marking the start of the 100-day period of remembrance for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Top Rwandan officials gathered at Kigali Genocide Memorial on Gisozi Hill, where more than 250,000 victims from across the city are buried. The event began with a solemn laying of flowers on the graves, paying respects to those resting at the memorial. President Kagame and the First Lady were joined by Philbert Gakwenzire, president of IBUKA, and Hon. Alphonsine Mukamugema, representing AVEGA Agahozo.
Following the flower-laying, the president and first lady lit a “light of hope,” symbolizing the beginning of the 100-day commemoration period—a tradition that encourages reflection, remembrance, and national unity.
Every year on April 7, Rwanda and communities worldwide observe the genocide remembrance day, honoring the victims of the 1994 tragedy. During the 100-day period, Rwandans engage in memorial visits, discussions, educational programs, and nationwide broadcasts via radio, television, and social media.
The commemoration week features both national and community-level events, including the “Walk to Remember,” candlelight vigils, and gatherings at memorials across the country, culminating on April 13 at the Rebero Genocide Memorial.
In his opening remarks, President Kagame reaffirmed that the horrors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi will never recur in Rwanda. He stressed that attempts to harm the nation, whether abroad or within, are doomed to fail:
“I tell you the truth: genocide cannot happen here again. It will not happen again. Even though there is noise from people meeting abroad, in Europe and elsewhere, and in Kinshasa, bringing together Habyarimana’s son and others, all this is just noise. They cannot achieve anything that would create problems here as happened before. I say this because I know every Rwandan, young or old, can attest to it.”
President Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s resilience, noting the continued commitment of its people to unity, truth, and historical accuracy. He cited the testimony of Theoneste Ngiruwosanga, a genocide survivor who survived multiple life-threatening situations, as a reminder that “no one can die twice.”
“He died, being alive now is like a resurrection. But no one will die like that again. You cannot kill someone twice; anyone who tries will fail before succeeding.”
The president also referenced the post-genocide period when fleeing soldiers and Interahamwe members formed the group now known as FDLR, launching cross-border attacks against Rwanda. He praised the bravery of the Rwandan army and local residents who successfully defended the nation.
Concluding his remarks, President Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to peace and unity:
“Rwandans will live in peace as all humans deserve, and no one can make us forget or undo this.”
The 32nd commemoration serves as both a solemn remembrance of the past and a reaffirmation of Rwanda’s resolve that genocide will never happen again.
