Thousands of Rwandans attend commemorative activities to honour genocide victims

IANS April 8, 2025 172 views

Rwanda began its solemn 31st genocide commemoration with a powerful "Walk to Remember" led by President Paul Kagame. Thousands of Rwandans, including survivors, government officials, and diplomats, participated in a night vigil at BK Arena. The event highlighted the nation's painful history and commitment to unity in the aftermath of the 1994 tragedy. Survivors like Liliane Murangwayire shared heart-wrenching personal stories, emphasizing the importance of remembering and preventing future ethnic violence.

"The commemoration is an occasion to reflect on the genesis of ethnic divisions" - Philibert Gakwenzire, IBUKA President
Kigali, April 8: Thousands of Rwandans joined President Paul Kagame in a 'Walk to Remember' and a night vigil to mark the start of the 31st commemoration of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

Key Points

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Thousands march from Gasabo to BK Arena in remembrance

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Kagame lights 'Flame of Hope' symbolizing resilience

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Survivors share powerful stories of loss and survival

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Genocide claimed over one million Tutsi and moderate Hutus

The march started from Gasabo district headquarters in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, to BK Arena, where marchers, including several senior government officials, diplomats and youth, gathered for a night vigil.

At the night vigil, Kagame lit the "Flame of Hope" as a symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of Rwandans in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide.

Addressing the audience, Philibert Gakwenzire, president of IBUKA, the umbrella body of genocide survivors' organisations in Rwanda, said remembrance ceremonies are important in honouring the victims of the genocide and serving as a platform to reaffirm Rwanda's commitment to unity.

"The commemoration is also an occasion to reflect on the genesis of ethnic divisions which played a key role in genocide as well as denounce all those who participated in the massacres of Rwandans based on their ethnical identities," he said.

Liliane Murangwayire, a survivor from Ntarama sector in Bugesera district, recalled how she had survived the genocide, Xinhua news agency reported. She was born in a family of 12, but only three people survived.

Murangwayire said that at the age of four, she became aware that her family members were being hunted by their neighbors, and when she asked the reason, her grandmother told her that it was because of their Tutsi ethnic identity.

Rwanda began a week of commemoration on Monday to mark the 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group. The genocide in 1994 claimed more than one million people, mostly from the Tutsi ethnic group and moderate Hutus.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
Powerful to see Rwanda continuing these important remembrance ceremonies. The "Flame of Hope" is such a meaningful symbol - light overcoming darkness. We must never forget these lessons from history.
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Amina B.
Liliane's story broke my heart 💔 How does a 4-year-old process that kind of hatred? Rwanda's journey of healing is truly remarkable, but we must keep educating new generations about the dangers of division.
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Thomas R.
While commemorations are important, I wonder if more could be done to address ongoing tensions. Reconciliation is a long process - 31 years might seem like a long time, but trauma like this spans generations.
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Marie L.
The "Walk to Remember" gives me chills. Such a simple but profound act - walking together in memory of those lost. We need more of this collective remembrance in our world today. #NeverAgain
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David P.
Respectful criticism: The article could have included more voices from the Hutu community about reconciliation efforts. The healing process involves all sides, and their perspectives matter too.
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Sarah T.
The fact that diplomats joined shows how Rwanda's story has become a global lesson. We should all take time this week to reflect on how we can combat hatred in our own communities. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Rwanda Genocide Paul Kagame Tutsi Commemoration Genocide Survivors African History
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