Rwanda on April 7, 2026, joins the world in marking the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) outlining a detailed programme for the national mourning week.
According to the ministry, official commemoration activities will begin at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, while citizens across the country will gather at village level for discussions and to follow the national message.
On the evening of April 7, a Walk to Remember will be held from Gasabo District headquarters to BK Arena, where the national night vigil is scheduled.
MINUBUMWE clarified that while official events will take place during the mourning period, normal activities—including business operations, individual sports, and team training—will continue after commemoration events. Essential services such as hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies on duty will remain fully operational, while hotels will continue serving their clients.
A separate remembrance walk is scheduled for April 11 in Kicukiro District, starting from IPRC Kicukiro and ending at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial, where an evening vigil will be held.
Throughout the mourning week, the national flag will fly at half-mast as a sign of respect for the victims.
The week will conclude on April 13 at the Rebero Genocide Memorial, where politicians killed for opposing the genocide will be honored.
The ministry emphasized that no closing ceremonies will be held at district level and that all commemoration events should not exceed three hours.
Public and private institutions, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions are expected to organize their own remembrance activities between April 8 and July 3, 2026, in line with national guidelines. Schools will also hold dedicated remembrance sessions once students return from holidays.
Authorities further noted that night vigils held ahead of remembrance or reburial ceremonies must end by 10:00 p.m.
After the mourning week, official commemoration symbols will be lowered, although they may be used again during specific remembrance events.
MINUBUMWE has urged all Rwandans especially the youth to actively participate in commemoration activities and follow related discussions across media platforms.
