Kamonyi: 32nd Commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi
On April 7, 2026, in Kamonyi District, at the Kibuza Genocide Memorial, Rwanda officially started the Week of Mourning and the 100 days of commemoration marking the 32nd Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event brought together government officials, survivors, youth, and residents in a moment of reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to unity.
A Strong Message to Parents and youth to promote truth and unity
The Governor of the Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi, delivered a powerful message urging parents to stop passing on genocide ideology to their children.
Reacting to concerns raised by young people during a dialogue session, she acknowledged that some parents still harbor and transmit harmful beliefs.“We have heard the voices of the youth, and they are right. Children born after the genocide grow up together as Rwandans, without division. If they are raising these concerns, it means we, as parents, still have a responsibility to fulfill,” she said.
Using strong imagery, she called on parents to abandon such behavior:“Stop poisoning your children with burdens you failed to overcome. A parent who truly loves their child cannot pass on hatred.”
Governor Kayitesi also called on young people to make wise choices, especially in the digital age. She warned against the dangers of misinformation and hate speech circulating on social media.
She encouraged them to use these platforms responsibly—to promote truth, challenge divisionism, and counter genocide ideology without resorting to insults.“Respond with truth, not hatred. Do not allow social media to mislead you,” she emphasized.
A Call for Unity and Support
Residents of Gacurabwenge Sector, where the memorial is located, were urged to remain vigilant during the 100-day commemoration period. The Governor called on all Rwandans to reject any actions or speech that undermine national unity or offend survivors.
She also encouraged active participation in all remembrance activities and continued support for survivors.
Honoring the Victims
The Kibuza Genocide Memorial is the final resting place of 47,933 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The bodies were collected from several sectors, including Gacurabwenge, Rugalika, Runda, Musambira, Nyarubaka, Rukoma, Ngamba, and Kayumbu.
As Rwanda enters this solemn period, the message remains clear: remembrance must go hand in hand with responsibility—to protect truth, foster unity, and ensure that such tragedy never happens again.
Regine AKALIKUMUTIMA
