Kigali, 7 April 2018
President Kagame today led Rwandans in the 24th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Kwibuka 24 activities.
President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid a wreath on the burial place of over 250,000 victims and lit the Flame of Remembrance at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Gisozi, marking the beginning of the Mourning Week and the 100 days of commemoration.
In his commemoration speech, President Kagame said that although this is the 24th year of commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi, to Rwandans, the memory is still fresh as it involves their nature, loved ones, communities, and nation.
“Every time we commemorate, we come face to face with our history and learn once again how to live with it. It is a time to reminisce about our tragic past, a history that was not meant to happen, and it is also a reminded that if we don’t stay vigilant, it might happen again. We are reminded of what we need to do to ensure that Genocide never happens again.”
President Kagame pointed out that when the facts of history become known, people’s understanding of the truth deepens.
“History teaches us that even after historical facts are out for everyone to see, some will still push you to distort your own history. We have to keep rebuilding our lives, unite and rebuild the Rwandan society. We can’t stay hostages of our history.”
In the evening, First Lady Jeannette Kagame took part in the Kwibuka24 Walk to Remember and Night Vigil at Amahoro Stadium, where young Rwandans lit candles to honour the memory of the over one Million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.