{"id":121700,"date":"2026-04-09T12:30:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwandan-communities-abroad-mark-kwibuka-32"},"modified":"2026-04-09T12:43:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:43:02","slug":"rwandan-communities-abroad-mark-kwibuka-32","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/rwandan-communities-abroad-mark-kwibuka-32","title":{"rendered":"Rwandan Communities Abroad Mark Kwibuka 32"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>As Rwanda commenced the national mourning period on April 7 to mark the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda across the globe joined in remembrance, honouring the more than one million lives lost in the tragedy.<\/p>\n

Beyond Rwanda\u2019s borders, diaspora communities held solemn events that reflected on unity, resilience, and the ongoing responsibility to confront genocide ideology and denial.<\/p>\n

The commemorations were marked by symbolic activities including a Walk to Remember, candle lighting, moments of silence, survivor testimonies. Events were hosted at Rwandan embassies, United Nations offices, and other public venues, where Rwandans were joined by diplomats, scholars, government officials, and members of the general public.<\/p>\n

Japan<\/p>\n

In Tokyo, Japan, the Embassy of Rwanda hosted Kwibuka 32 at the United Nations University, bringing together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, scholars, and the Rwandan community.<\/p>\n

In her keynote address, Rwaanda’s Ambassador to Japan Marie Claire Mukasine emphasised that Kwibuka goes beyond remembrance.<\/p>\n

Rwaanda’s Ambassador to Japan Marie Claire Mukasine emphasised that Kwibuka goes beyond remembrance.<\/p>\n

\u201cKwibuka is not only a period of mourning; it is also a time of responsibility, to preserve the truth, to confront denial, and to ensure that such atrocities never happen again anywhere in the world,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She stressed that the Genocide against the Tutsi was a systematically executed crime, rooted in historical divisions and fueled by an ideology of hate. While reflecting on the devastating loss of over one million lives, Mukasine also highlighted Rwanda\u2019s journey of recovery, defined by unity, reconciliation, and sustained development.<\/p>\n

The Embassy of Rwanda hosted Kwibuka 32 at the United Nations University, bringing together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, scholars, and the Rwandan community<\/p>\n

Representing the Government of Japan, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoaki conveyed condolences and solidarity with Rwanda, noting that healing remains a long process for survivors. He also reaffirmed Japan\u2019s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Rwanda.<\/p>\n

Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, placed the commemoration within a global context, acknowledging the international community\u2019s failure to act in 1994 and stressing the need for vigilance today.<\/p>\n

Quoting UN Secretary-General Anto\u0301nio Guterres, Tshilidzi said: \u201cIt\u2019s not enough to remember the dead. We must learn from past failures and protect the living.\u201d<\/p>\n

Singapore<\/p>\n

In Singapore, Rwanda\u2019s High Commission led a commemoration event attended by over 250 participants, including diplomats, government officials, and members of the Rwandan community.<\/p>\n

High Commissioner Innocent Muhizi<\/p>\n

High Commissioner Innocent Muhizi underscored that the genocide was neither accidental nor spontaneous but the result of deliberate planning by the genocidal government. He also paid tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Army for ending the genocide and laying the foundation for national recovery.<\/p>\n

In Singapore, Rwanda\u2019s High Commission led a commemoration event attended by over 250 participants.<\/p>\n

He warned that genocide ideology and denial continue to evolve, particularly through digital platforms and organised networks.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilence in the face of denial is not neutrality. It is complicity,\u201d he told participants, urging scholars and students to defend historical truth.<\/p>\n

The event also featured testimony from genocide survivor and author Dimitrie Sissi, reinforcing the importance of personal narratives in preserving memory.<\/p>\n

IN INDIA<\/b>
\nIn New Delhi, India, the commemoration at Bharat Mandapam<\/b> engaged young people through exhibitions, performances, and discussions. Around 450 students and educators participated in a morning exhibition where artworks depicted the horrors of the genocide alongside messages of peace and unity.<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s High Commissioner to India, Jacqueline Mukangira<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s High Commissioner to India, Jacqueline Mukangira, commended the students for their research and encouraged them to uphold the values of tolerance, human rights, and non-discrimination.<\/p>\n

Mourners observing a moment of silence<\/p>\n

The evening programme included a documentary screening, student drama performances portraying the planning and execution of the genocide, and a musical tribute. A message from the UN Secretary-General, delivered by the UN Resident Coordinator in India, reiterated the importance of remembrance and prevention.<\/p>\n

United Kingdom<\/p>\n

In London, United Kingdom, more than 400 people gathered at St Marylebone Parish Church for a solemn commemoration that brought together survivors, diplomats, faith leaders, and members of the wider community.<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, highlighted the continued need for justice and accountability, particularly for genocide suspects still at large.<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, highlighted the continued need for justice and accountability, particularly for genocide suspects still at large<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty-two years after the genocide, the United Kingdom remains the only country in the West where known genocide suspects continue to live untried,\u201d he said, stressing that justice delayed undermines survivors\u2019 quest for closure.<\/p>\n

A testimony by survivor Marie-Rose Rurangirwa reflected on the psychological scars of the genocide and the importance of recognising early warning signs of hatred and division.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a child after the genocide, I carried an invisible weight, grief without language,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Switzerland<\/p>\n

In Geneva, Switzerland, members of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, and the Rwandan diaspora gathered at the United Nations Office to mark the commemoration.<\/p>\n

The event began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Stele at Place des Nations, followed by a formal programme at the Palais des Nations.<\/p>\n

Speakers included UN officials and representatives of survivor organisations, who collectively underscored the importance of memory, truth, and accountability.<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s Ambassador to Switzerland, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, warned that genocide ideology persists and has adapted to modern platforms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe threats to historical truth remain present and have evolved,\u201d she said, noting the rapid spread of denial and hate speech through digital channels.<\/p>\n

She called on states to fulfil their international obligations to prosecute or extradite genocide suspects, emphasising that accountability must not be undermined by time or distance.<\/p>\n

Survivor Reverien Rurangwa\u2019s testimony highlighted both the horror of the genocide and the resilience of survivors, underscoring the need to pass on these lessons to younger generations.<\/p>\n

Egypt<\/p>\n

The commemoration event in Egypt.<\/p>\n

The observation of a minute of silence to honour the victims.<\/p>\n

In Cairo, Egypt, Rwanda\u2019s Ambassador Dan Munyuza emphasised that remembrance is a moral obligation, warning that genocide begins long before violence erupts.<\/p>\n

\u201cGenocide does not begin with machetes and bullets. It begins with discriminatory words,\u201d he said, urging vigilance against hate speech and extremist ideologies.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Dan Munyuza stressed remembrance is a moral duty, not symbolism.<\/p>\n

He also pointed to ongoing security threats posed by genocidal forces such as the FDLR, stressing the need for international cooperation in combating such dangers.<\/p>\n

Korea<\/p>\n

Rwandans living in South Korea were joined by friends of Rwanda during a Walk to Remember.<\/p>\n

Similarly, in the Republic of Korea, officials and diplomats highlighted Rwanda\u2019s journey of recovery and the universal relevance of its lessons. Speakers emphasised the importance of confronting denial and ensuring that remembrance remains grounded in truth.<\/p>\n

Russia<\/p>\n

In Moscow, Russia, the Rwandan embassy marked the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in an event that brought together members of the Rwandan community, members of the diplomatic corps, Russian government officials, and friends of Rwanda.<\/p>\n

The event began with a walk through a curated exhibition titled \u201cFrom Genocide to Rebirth,\u201d which depicted Rwanda\u2019s tragic past and its journey of unity, reconciliation, and development. The ceremony proceeded with a moment of silence, candle lighting, and the laying of wreaths in honor of the victims.<\/p>\n

In his remarks, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita recalled that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was not a sudden tragedy, but the result of decades of division, discrimination, and dehumanization. He described how the violence was carefully planned and carried out with devastating speed, leaving more than one million people dead in just 100 days.<\/p>\n

The Ambassador also warned that genocide ideology and denial continue to persist in different parts of the world, stressing that silence in the face of such dangers can lead to repeated tragedy. He particularly alerted on the current killing of Tutsi in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, especially the Banyamulenge in South Kivu. He called on the international community to uphold its responsibility to prevent genocide, ensure accountability, and make \u201cNever Again\u201d a reality rather than a slogan.<\/p>\n

Morocco<\/p>\n

In Rabat, the Embassy of Rwanda in Morocco in collaboration with members of the Rwandan community in the North African country, organized the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. Moroccan officials, diplomats, members of civil societies organisation, partners and friends of Rwanda assisted to the commemoration.<\/p>\n

The commemoration that brought together around 300 people began with the \u201cWalk to Remember,\u201d a solemn procession honouring the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.<\/p>\n

An exhibition on the history of Rwanda and the preparation of the genocide was presented, where Ambassador Shakilla Umutoni guided guests through the historical journey that led to the genocide, using photographic documentation.<\/p>\n

In her remarks, the Ambassador emphasized that the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi was the culmination of a carefully orchestrated plan of destruction spanning several decades: years of division, discrimination, dehumanization, repeated pogroms, exclusion, and persecution.<\/p>\n

She noted that Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction is a testament to what can be achieved when a nation chooses to confront its past with honesty and courage.<\/p>\n

Zambia<\/p>\n

In Lusaka, members of the Rwandan community in Zambia and friends of Rwanda observed Kwibuka32 hosted by the Rwandan embassy.<\/p>\n

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Emmanuel Bugingo, reflected on the significance of remembrance and the need to continue fighting genocide ideology.<\/p>\n

The Zambian government was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Energy and Environment, Dr. Douty Chibamba.<\/p>\n

A shared global responsibility<\/p>\n

Across all these commemorations, a common message emerged: remembrance must go hand in hand with action.<\/p>\n

From Asia to Europe and Africa and the Americas, Kwibuka 32 has not only served as a time to honour victims but also as a platform to renew global commitment to preventing genocide, confronting denial, and safeguarding historical truth.<\/p>\n

OIF Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo, pays tribute to the victims during a commemoration event in France on Tuesday 7. Courtesy<\/p>\n

Officials observe a moment of silence to pay respect to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Paris<\/p>\n

RWANDA IN THE HAGUE<\/b><\/p>\n

Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in The Hague during a Walk to Remember.<\/p>\n

aufitiwabo@newtimesrwanda.com<\/p>\n\r\n