Senior government officials and representatives of political parties on April 13, 2026, gathered at the Rebero Genocide Memorial to conclude the Genocide commemoration week and pay tribute to politicians who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The annual ceremony honours political figures who resisted division and injustice and were killed for their stance. It brought together bereaved families, senior officials, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rwanda, who laid wreaths in remembrance at the memorial site on Rebero Hill.
In his remarks, Dr Frank Habineza, spokesperson of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations (NFPO), said April 13 remains a significant day to honour politicians who lost their lives for standing against hatred and defending truth.
He noted that Rwanda’s current political framework is anchored in unity, inclusiveness and the pursuit of the common good for all citizens.
Wreaths were laid at the Rebero Genocide Memorial in honour of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
“The politics we practice today, which is also embraced by registered political parties in Rwanda, teaches its members to work together in the interest of all Rwandans,” he said.
Dr Habineza emphasized that the forum of political parties continues to promote constructive and inclusive politics that values every Rwandan without discrimination.
He also called on Rwandans still living in forests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries to distance themselves from those preventing their return home due to involvement in genocide-related crimes.
“We ask you to distance yourselves from those holding you hostage and preventing you from returning because of crimes they committed, including the Genocide against the Tutsi,” he said.
Habineza further urged young people to remain vigilant against divisive ideologies, warning them to avoid being drawn into politics that could undermine national unity.
He concluded by reaffirming the forum’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and inclusive development as the foundation for Rwanda’s continued national cohesion.
