Rwanda Commemorates 31st Anniversary of 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi with Nationwide Mourning and Resolve Kigali, Rwanda — Rwanda on Monday, April 7, 2025, began the 31st annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, marking the start of a three-month mourning period to honor over 800,000 victims systematically murdered in 100 days. The commemoration, themed “Remember, Unite, Renew,” blends solemn reflection on the nation’s tragic history with a focus on unity and rebuilding.
National Ceremony and Week of Mourning The official events commenced at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid wreaths and lit the “flame of remembrance”—a tradition observed for 100 days, symbolizing the genocide’s duration. The national flag flew at half-mast nationwide as thousands joined a “Walk to Remember” from Parliament to BK Arena, followed by an evening vigil broadcast live.
Each of Rwanda’s 30 districts held local ceremonies at memorial sites, with village-level discussions led by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement. Essential services remained operational, but businesses paused until noon to allow collective participation.
Commemoration Week Activities From April 8–13, events include lectures for foreign diplomats, youth forums, and a second “Walk to Remember” in Kicukiro District, culminating in a tribute at Rebero Genocide Memorial for politicians who opposed the genocide. Institutions nationwide will host speakers to discuss Rwanda’s journey from trauma to reconciliation, emphasizing grassroots efforts to combat genocide ideology.
Global Observances and UNESCO’s Role Internationally, UNESCO held a commemorative ceremony in Paris on April 7, featuring survivor testimonies, musical performances, and a photo exhibition titled “Kwibuka: Rwanda 1994”. The United Nations marked the day with events at its global offices, reflecting on the genocide’s lessons and Rwanda’s recovery.
A Legacy of Resilience The 2025 commemoration underscores Rwanda’s unprecedented transformation, balancing remembrance with forward-looking initiatives in education and social cohesion. As Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda noted in prior years, “We must never forget…to preserve our unity and stand together against genocide ideology”. Survivors like Edith Umugiraneza, now a genocide scholar, emphasize combating misinformation that fueled the violence—a message central to this year’s events.
Looking Ahead The mourning period will conclude on July 4, Rwanda’s Liberation Day, symbolizing the nation’s rebirth. Over the next three months, schools, businesses, and government agencies will integrate remembrance activities, ensuring younger generations understand the cost of division and the value of renewal.
“We remember not to dwell in pain, but to forge a future where ‘never again’ is a lived reality,” said a government official during the opening ceremony.