Rwandans and Friends of Rwanda in the State of Washington gathered in Bellevue City over the weekend for Kwibuka 32, a solemn event commemorating the 32nd remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The event, organized by RCA Seattle, was held on Saturday, May 9, 2025, at BelPress New Hope Church in Bellevue, Washington. Community members, local leaders, survivors, elected officials, and supporters came together to honor the memory of more than one million lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and to reaffirm the commitment to “Never Again.”
The commemoration began with a Walk to Remember, bringing together Rwandans and many Friends of Rwanda from across Washington State in a public expression of remembrance, solidarity, and unity.
The official program opened with welcome remarks from local RCA leader Andrew Ndayambaje, who thanked attendees for standing together in remembrance and for continuing to educate future generations about the dangers of hatred, division, and genocide ideology.
Participants later viewed a short documentary screening followed by the reading of victims’ names, a moving moment that allowed attendees to reflect on the human cost of the genocide and honor those whose lives were brutally taken.
One of the significant moments of the event was the presentation of an official proclamation from King County recognizing the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The proclamation was delivered by County Relations Manager Angela Phan on behalf of King County leadership. The document recognized April 7 as a day to honor the memory of genocide victims, acknowledge the resilience of survivors, and encourage continued education, justice, peace, and human dignity.
Survivors Phillipe and Vestine shared personal testimonies during the event, recounting painful memories from the genocide and emphasizing the importance of preserving truth, fighting denial, and supporting survivors and future generations.
A Candle Lighting for Hope ceremony was later led by Mayor Steve Woodard, symbolizing remembrance, resilience, and hope for a future free from genocide and hatred.
Additional remarks were delivered by Ibuka Seattle Chapter President Aloysie McLeod and Deputy Mayor Pobeee, both of whom emphasized the importance of unity, remembrance, and standing against discrimination and violence in all forms.
Attendees also received a special video message from Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, who commended the Seattle community for continuing to preserve the memory of the victims while promoting reconciliation, resilience, and peace.
Closing remarks were delivered by Herbert M. Diego, USRCA President-Elect, who reminded attendees that silence in the face of injustice can contribute to tragedy.
“Genocide succeeds not only through the actions of killers, but also through the silence of bystanders,” Diego stated during the commemoration.
The evening concluded with a community dinner shared by all attendees at the event venue, providing an opportunity for reflection, unity, and continued dialogue among survivors, families, friends, and supporters.
Kwibuka, which means “to remember” in Kinyarwanda, continues to serve as a global period of remembrance dedicated to honoring victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and ensuring that future generations continue to learn from history in the fight against hatred, intolerance, and genocide ideology.
