Washington DC- The Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda on Friday gathered in Washington, DC, for the 24th Annual Rwanda Prayer Banquet USA, a solemn and hopeful event dedicated to lifting Rwanda and its leaders in prayer while reflecting on the country’s extraordinary journey of recovery, unity, and progress since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The annual gathering brought together members of the diaspora, diplomats, faith leaders, and friends of Rwanda from across the United States. It was attended by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship and clergy representing multiple Christian denominations, underscoring the broad-based spiritual and moral support for Rwanda’s continued transformation.
More than three decades after the genocide that devastated the nation, participants highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable achievements in rebuilding its institutions, restoring social cohesion, and advancing development. The banquet served not only as a moment of remembrance, but also as a powerful affirmation of Rwanda’s resilience and the leadership that has guided the country toward stability, reconciliation, and growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Mukazayire, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, emphasized that Rwanda’s renewal goes far beyond physical reconstruction or economic indicators. She told attendees that the country’s true rebirth has been rooted in the rebuilding of hearts and minds, anchored in shared values and a commitment to unity.
“Rwanda’s journey is not only about rebuilding institutions,” she said, “but also about rebuilding hearts. Prayer strengthens our moral foundation—humility, forgiveness, integrity, and unity—and helps us reject division in all its forms.”
The minister called on Rwandans at home and abroad, as well as friends of Rwanda, to ensure that prayer is matched with action. She stressed that lasting progress requires every citizen and partner to play a role in strengthening social cohesion, supporting national development, and safeguarding the gains made since 1994.
Speakers throughout the evening echoed this message, noting that Rwanda’s leadership has consistently placed unity, accountability, and purpose at the center of national policy. They pointed to the country’s steady progress in governance, social reconciliation, and economic development as evidence of a clear and disciplined vision for the future.
Clergy members led prayers focused on peace, wisdom for Rwanda’s leaders, and continued healing for survivors of the genocide. The interdenominational nature of the event reflected Rwanda’s broader commitment to inclusivity and collective responsibility in building a shared national destiny.
For many in attendance, the banquet was also a reminder of the role the Rwandan diaspora plays in supporting the country’s development and promoting Rwanda’s story abroad—one of resilience, determination, and purposeful leadership in the face of history’s darkest chapter.
As the evening concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Rwanda, not only in prayer but also through concrete support for initiatives that strengthen unity, development, and dignity for all Rwandans.
The 24th Annual Rwanda Prayer Banquet USA once again demonstrated that Rwanda’s progress is rooted in both principled leadership and a deep moral resolve—proving that a nation once brought to its knees by tragedy can rise with clarity, discipline, and hope toward a stronger and more united future.
