Over 300 young members of the Rwanda Scouts Association gathered at the Nyanza-Kicukiro Genocide Memorial in Kigali for a commemoration event marking the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event, held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, began with a moment of silence in honour of the victims laid to rest at the memorial, followed by the laying of wreaths at the mass graves.
Participants were taken through reflections on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the long process of recovery and rebuilding led by survivors and the nation.
The youth were urged to take a leading role in combating genocide denial and distortion, while embracing values of courage, integrity and patriotism, drawing inspiration from the RPA Inkotanyi who stopped the Genocide.
The commemoration brought together senior officials from the Rwanda Scouts Association, representatives of the Africa Scouts Committee Youth Forum, officials from Kicukiro District, members of IBUKA, and scouts from across the country.
Speakers emphasized the importance of understanding Rwanda’s history, particularly the period between 1959 and 1994, as a foundation for confronting genocide denial and preserving historical truth.
Attendees also heard testimony from a genocide survivor from Nyanza-Kicukiro, who recounted the brutality of the killings and the lasting trauma endured by survivors.
Leaders called on young people to play an active role in building a peaceful and united nation grounded in historical awareness and civic responsibility.
They further encouraged scouts to uphold values of unity, discipline and selflessness, and to draw lessons from the bravery of the RPA Inkotanyi, whose intervention ended the Genocide and restored national hope.
