Rwanda Marks 31 Years Since Genocide With Solemn National Commemoration.

Tuesday 15th April 2025

By inAfrika Reporter

On April 7, Rwanda marked the 31th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi with solemn national ceremonies dedicated to honoring the victims and renewing the country’s resolve to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again. President Paul Kagame led the day’s events, beginning with an early morning Walk to Remember through Kigali, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to memory, unity, and healing. This was followed by the lighting of the Flame of Hope at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where Kagame joined survivors and other leaders in laying wreaths at the resting place of thousands who lost their lives.

During his address at the memorial, Kagame paid tribute to the more than 800,000 lives lost in the span of 100 days during the 1994 genocide. He praised the resilience of Rwandans, acknowledging their journey of reconciliation and the rebuilding of a unified, peaceful society. However, he also issued a strong warning against genocide denial and the spread of hate speech that continues to pose a threat in the region. He urged young Rwandans to safeguard the truth and stand firm against divisive ideologies that could endanger the country’s hard-won peace.

Across Rwanda, citizens observed the commemoration known as Kwibuka with a national moment of silence at noon. In a show of regional solidarity, the East African Community headquarters in Arusha held a memorial ceremony where leaders reiterated their shared responsibility to learn from the genocide and promote policies that prevent ethnic violence. This shared remembrance emphasized the importance of collective memory in safeguarding regional peace and harmony.

International support also poured in, with the United Nations Secretary-General commending Rwanda’s remarkable progress over the past three decades while reminding the world of its obligation to prevent future genocides. The commemorations signal not just national remembrance, but global reflection, reinforcing a worldwide commitment to justice and vigilance.

Over the next 100 days the period the genocide lasted Rwanda will host dialogues in schools and communities focusing on unity, reconciliation, and tolerance. These events serve both as healing spaces and as educational efforts aimed at younger generations who did not witness the genocide firsthand. While Rwanda has made significant strides in recovery, this annual remembrance continues to reveal the need for ongoing trauma healing and the pursuit of justice, especially in tracking down genocide fugitives who remain in neighboring countries.

The commemoration has grown into a powerful symbol of Rwanda’s transformation and a call to action for the rest of the world. The phrase “Never Again” resonates deeply within Rwanda and beyond, serving as both a solemn promise and a rallying cry to uphold human dignity and protect vulnerable communities from the horrors of mass atrocities.