Nyamagabe District on Saturday held commemoration activities marking the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with special tribute paid to 1,535 families that were completely exterminated during the atrocities.
The commemoration took place at Kibumbwe Genocide Memorial, bringing together survivors, residents, local leaders, and government officials to honour the victims and reflect on the devastating impact of the Genocide against the Tutsi in the district.
Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri said the Genocide was the result of long-standing divisive politics and bad governance that fuelled hatred and ultimately led to the systematic extermination of the Tutsi population.
He paid tribute to the leadership that stopped the Genocide, noting that Rwanda’s recovery and transformation have been made possible by unity, resilience, and determined leadership.
Niyomwungeri stressed that the commemoration was particularly dedicated to remembering the 1,535 families in Nyamagabe that were completely exterminated during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Member of Parliament Jennifer Wibabara called on young people to remain vigilant against misinformation circulating on social media that promotes genocide ideology and divisionism.
She praised the former RPA-Inkotanyi forces for stopping the Genocide, saying their intervention saved lives and created the foundation for national rebuilding and unity.
“There were those who rebuilt a new Rwanda. The RPA-Inkotanyi forces under the leadership of President Paul Kagame made a deliberate choice to stop the Genocide and rescue many lives. Others also became guardians of that commitment and chose unity,” she said.
Wibabara urged all Rwandans to safeguard the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi and strengthen unity as a foundation for sustainable peace and development.
The ceremony included the laying of wreaths at Kibumbwe Genocide Memorial, where victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are laid to rest.
Participants were also reminded that confronting genocide ideology and preserving national unity remain essential to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.
