On April 7, 2025, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame initiated the national remembrance activities marking the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The ceremony began with the lighting of the Flame of Hope—an enduring symbol of resilience, unity, and the promise of a peaceful future for the people of Rwanda.
The event was held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, a solemn resting place for over 259,000 genocide victims from the districts of Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge in Kigali. This memorial site serves as a powerful reminder of the tragic past and a place of reflection for survivors and future generations.
April 7 is officially recognized as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This day, acknowledged globally, honors the memory of more than one million innocent people who were brutally murdered in a span of just 100 days. The purpose of this annual observance is to ensure that the horror of these events is never forgotten and that the world remains vigilant in the fight against hatred and genocide in all its forms.
Prior to igniting the Flame of Hope, President Kagame and the First Lady paid their respects by laying wreaths at the memorial’s mass graves. Their silent tribute served not only to honor the lives lost but also to reaffirm Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to remembrance, healing, and reconciliation. The flame, which will remain alight throughout the 100-day mourning period, represents the enduring spirit and collective strength of the Rwandan people.
During the ceremony, President Kagame expressed deep gratitude to both Rwandans and international guests who took part in the launch of the commemoration week. In his address, he emphasized the importance of preserving historical truth, stating, “I thank you because, often, as we continue to see it, the truth is no longer the basis for understanding what happened.” His words echoed the need for continued education and the defense of historical accuracy in the face of denial and revisionism.
The event brought together a wide range of participants, including government officials, representatives from genocide survivor groups, diplomatic envoys, and global allies of Rwanda. Their presence was a testament to international solidarity and the shared commitment to honoring the memory of the victims.
The United Nations formally designated April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi on January 26, 2018. This designation was made to ensure that the terminology used accurately reflects the reality of the 1994 tragedy and to correct longstanding ambiguities in global discourse. The updated language provides clarity and affirms the truth of what occurred during that dark chapter in Rwanda’s history.
According to a study carried out by Rwanda’s Ministry of Local Government between 2000 and 2002, a staggering 1,074,017 Tutsis were killed during the 100 days from April to July 1994. The findings, which were officially released in 2004, meticulously recorded not only the number of victims, but also detailed information about their identities, ages, locations, and the brutal methods by which they were murdered. These records form an essential part of Rwanda’s national memory and play a vital role in the pursuit of justice and truth.
The annual commemoration is more than a ritual of mourning; it is a reaffirmation of Rwanda’s resilience and the enduring pursuit of peace, justice, and unity. The symbolic Flame of Hope stands as a beacon for future generations—one that speaks of a country that has rebuilt itself from the ashes of tragedy, and a people who continue to strive toward a future founded on remembrance, reconciliation, and the unyielding commitment to never allow such atrocities to happen again.
H.E President Kagame also participates in the walk to remember
Through these solemn commemorations, Rwanda continues to teach the world valuable lessons about the power of truth, the importance of memory, and the strength of a nation that chooses to heal without forgetting. As Rwanda marks 31 years since the genocide, the message is clear: remembrance is not only about honoring the past—it is also about protecting the future
