Rwandans living in Chad, together with friends of Rwanda, have marked the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, pledging to strengthen efforts to combat genocide ideology and preserve historical memory for future generations.
The commemoration ceremony was held in N’Djamena on May 16, 2026, and was jointly organized by the Rwandan community in Chad and the Embassy of Rwanda accredited to Chad through Abuja, Nigeria.
Held under the theme “Kwibuka, unity and self-reliance,” the event brought together diplomats, Chadian government officials, representatives of the United Nations, members of the Rwandan community, and friends of Rwanda.
Participants gathered to honour the memory of more than one million Tutsi killed during the 100 days of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, reaffirming the importance of remembrance as a foundation for unity and prevention of future atrocities.
The ceremony included a remembrance walk, lighting of the flame of hope, a moment of silence, documentary screenings, testimonies, and poetry performances reflecting on the history and consequences of the genocide.
Speaking on behalf of the Chadian government, Bello Yerima Yaya, Director for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the Genocide against the Tutsi as one of the darkest chapters in modern human history, stressing that remembrance remains a shared international responsibility.
He reaffirmed Chad’s strong relations with Rwanda, grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace and security, and commended Rwanda’s progress in rebuilding national unity, reconciliation, and development over the past decades.
Rwandan community leader in Chad, Kalinda Viateur, said commemoration should go beyond mourning the victims and serve as a lasting lesson to guide future generations.
He emphasized that the genocide was not a spontaneous tragedy, but was carefully planned, prepared, and executed with intent.
Rwanda’s Embassy representative in Chad, François Nkuriyingoma, said remembrance is not only about reflecting on history, but also about defending truth, upholding human dignity, and ensuring accountability. He also warned against the continued spread of genocide ideology, including through social media platforms.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Chad, François Batalingaya, called for stronger international cooperation in preventing genocide and other crimes against humanity, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to peacebuilding and the protection of human rights.
The ceremony concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to reject hatred, injustice, and division, and to uphold the global pledge of “Never Again,” while strengthening collective efforts to prevent the reoccurrence of genocide anywhere in the world.
