WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2026 — Survivors, faith leaders, scholars, students, friends of Rwanda and members of the diaspora gathered today at The Catholic University of America for the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, a solemn ceremony dedicated to remembrance, unity, and renewed commitment to preventing genocide worldwide.
Held at Maloney Auditorium under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,” the event honored the memory of more than one million people killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and reaffirmed the global importance of truth, justice, reconciliation, and vigilance against hatred.
The program began with a Walk to Remember across the university campus, where participants marched together in reflection and solidarity. The procession was followed by a moment of silence in tribute to the victims whose lives were brutally taken during one of the darkest chapters in modern history.
Welcoming attendees, Emmanuel Ndahimana of Ibuka DMV, representing survivors in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia, emphasized the duty of current and future generations to preserve historical truth and reject genocide denial in all its forms.
The Catholic University of America was represented by Dr. Duilia de Mello, Vice Provost for Global Strategies, who highlighted the important role universities play in advancing historical awareness, moral leadership, and global citizenship. She noted that institutions of higher learning must remain places where difficult truths are confronted openly and where students learn how prejudice, dehumanization, and silence can lead to catastrophe.
A spiritual reflection was delivered by His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory, who offered prayers for victims, survivors, and families still carrying the pain of loss. He called for compassion, healing, and moral courage, urging communities everywhere to defend human dignity and reject hatred and violence.
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came during the candle-lighting service, described as the “Light of Hope.” Candles were lit in memory of those who perished and in recognition of survivors who rebuilt their lives after tragedy. Children from the DMV Rwandan community then delivered a moving message of “Never Again,” reminding attendees that genocide prevention is a responsibility shared across generations.
The audience was deeply moved by testimony from Mrs. Jeanne Celestine Lakin, a survivor of the genocide and internationally recognized human rights advocate. She spoke of personal loss, the terror of survival, and the long journey toward healing. Her testimony underscored the power of resilience, forgiveness, and the need to continue telling the truth so future generations understand the consequences of hatred.
Scholar Dr. Jean-Damascène Gasanabo, former Director-General of Rwanda’s National Research and Documentation Center on Genocide, provided historical analysis on the roots of ethnic division, propaganda, and the systematic planning that led to the genocide. He stressed that genocide begins long before the killings start, through discrimination, exclusion, false narratives, and organized hatred. He also highlighted Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery through reconciliation, justice, and national rebuilding.
International genocide prevention expert Dr. Gregory H. Stanton, Founder of Genocide Watch, delivered remarks linking the lessons of Rwanda to modern threats around the world. Dr. Stanton is widely recognized for developing the Ten Stages of Genocide, a framework explaining that genocide is a predictable, though non-linear, process rather than a sudden isolated event. First introduced as eight stages in 1996 and later expanded to ten stages, the model helps governments, institutions, and civil society identify warning signs early and take preventive action before atrocities escalate.
During his remarks, Dr. Stanton emphasized that genocide can be stopped when warning signs are recognized and confronted decisively. He cautioned against denialism, extremist ideologies, and indifference, warning that silence and inaction often enable future crimes.
Cathy Rwivanga whose is the President of Rwanda Diaspora in DMV praised survivors who continue to fight against genocide denial, educate the world through courage and testimony.
Closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Arthur Asiimwe, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington, D.C. Speaking on behalf of Rwanda’s diplomatic mission, he thanked survivors, scholars, faith leaders, students, and partners who continue to preserve the truth of what happened in 1994. He also reflected on Rwanda’s transformation over the last three decades, highlighting progress in peacebuilding, education, women’s leadership, and national unity.
Mr. Asiimwe called on the international community to remain steadfast in combating genocide ideology, racism, and intolerance while supporting peace, justice, and human dignity worldwide.
Throughout the ceremony, organizers displayed photo tributes to families lost in the genocide and promoted access to the Kigali Genocide Memorial as an educational resource for continued learning and remembrance.
Today’s commemoration in Washington served as both a memorial and a warning. Thirty-two years after the genocide, participants departed with a shared message: the past must never be forgotten, and genocide must never be allowed to happen again.
