Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living in Ireland gathered to mark the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, renewing calls for global vigilance against genocide ideology and reaffirming the message of “Never Again.”
The commemoration event, held on Saturday, 2 May 2026, brought together members of the Rwandan diaspora, Irish officials, and invited guests to reflect on Rwanda’s history and the importance of collective responsibility in preventing mass atrocities.
The ceremony was led by Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, alongside local representatives including Tedd Leddy.
‘Never Again’ must be defended, not only remembered
In his keynote remarks, Amb. Busingye emphasized that Kwibuka is not only a moment of remembrance but also a call to sustained action against genocide ideology.
He warned that the ideology that fueled the 1994 genocide has not been fully eradicated and continues to manifest in different forms, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
Raising concern over ongoing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Busingye cited the continued presence of the FDLR armed group, which he said remains a threat to regional stability and a reminder that extremist ideologies persist.
“For Rwanda, the message is clear—‘Never Again’ is not just a slogan, it is a responsibility,” he said, urging the international community not to ignore early warning signs of mass atrocities.
He stressed that silence and inaction in the face of hate speech, discrimination, and targeted violence risk creating conditions that can lead to repetition of past horrors.
Reflection on Rwanda’s recovery journey
Participants were also briefed on Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery, including progress in unity and reconciliation, governance reforms, and socio-economic transformation over the past three decades.
Speakers highlighted how Rwanda has rebuilt itself from devastation into a country focused on stability and development, while continuing to prioritize remembrance and education about the genocide.
Diaspora urged to be voices of truth
Members of the Rwandan community in Ireland were encouraged to act as ambassadors of peace, truth, and unity in their host country, ensuring that the history of the genocide is preserved and accurately understood.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge to uphold the principles of “Never Again,” emphasizing that remembrance must go hand in hand with vigilance and action to prevent future atrocities anywhere in the world.
