Kigali, 7 April 2020 – Rwandans started on Tuesday the 26th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi (also known in Kinyarwanda as Kwibuka). This also marked the beginning of the commemoration week and 100 days of remembrance.

In a message to the nation, President Kagame noted that this year’s commemoration is “challenging for survivors and families and for the country”, as they cannot “be together physically to comfort one another”.

“But the current unusual circumstances will not prevent us from fulfilling our obligation to commemorate this solemn anniversary, honour those we lost, and console survivors,” President Kagame said.

The Head of State further assured that Rwandans will continue to put the lessons learnt from their history into practice for the benefit of the next generation.

“The lessons of our history have united us. They teach us the value of good leadership that cares for the well-being of all citizens. We have learned the importance of working together to build a better future for all Rwandans. The resilience and collective compassion of Rwandans will continue to serve us well as a nation, as we navigate new challenges, including those we are experiencing today” President Kagame said.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame also laid a wreath and lit the flame of remembrance at the Kigali Genocide Memorial to honour over 1 million victims of the Genocide Against Tutsi.

The President of Senate, Dr Augustin Iyamuremye, The Speaker of Parliament, Donatille Mukabalisa, The Chief Justice and The Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente also laid wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, joined by representatives of Diplomatic Corps and Ibuka association.

Kwibuka26 activities are being held at household level and in Rwanda’s Embassies/High Commissions worldwide while observing the prevention measures against COVID19.

Different Radio and TV programmes are organised thought the Commemoration Week, covering different topics about the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and the 26 years journey of Rwanda’s recovery.

Over one million Rwandans were brutally killed in 100 days during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi by Interahamwe militia & extremist Hutus, using machetes, clubs, spears and other traditional weapons, with the full support of government security forces.

• Learn more about Kwibuka here: http://kwibuka.rw/
• Watch the President’s message here: https://youtu.be/S9eEGDJlUNM
• View and download the Photos here: https://flickr.com/phot…/paulkagame/albums/72157713790231927