On Saturday April 12th, survivors, scholars, clergy, diplomats, and community members
gathered to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi
in Rwanda. The 31st Commemoration was held at the Catholic University of America began with a “Walk to Remember” symbolizing our collective journey of remembrance, resilience, and hope.
Upon entering Father O’Connell Hall, participants observed a moment of silence to honor over one million lives lost during the genocide—a silence heavy with grief but also filled with determination to ensure such atrocities never happen again. The President of IBUKA-DMV, Emmanuel Ndahimana delivered informative and comforting opening remarks emphasizing that the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi was a premeditated, rapid extermination that claimed over one million lives in 100 days. He reminded the audience that these were not just numbers but beloved individuals and the future of Rwanda. Ndahimana rejected genocide denial and stressed the importance of remembrance to honor victims and educate future generations.
He expressed deep gratitude to the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi for their heroic role in ending the genocide and restoring hope. Ndahimana called on the international community to bring fugitives to justice and address ongoing killings of Tutsis in eastern DRC. He proposed creating a memorial in Washington, D.C. by 2026 as a place of healing. He closed with a message of unity and resilience: “We are only as strong as we are united.”
His Eminence Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Chancellor of Catholic University of America and archbishop of Washington co-hosted the event, offering prayers and words of comfort that reminded us of the power of faith and unity in healing wounds. He shared “My dear brothers and sisters, we gathered today in solemn remembrance of one of the saddest chapters of our shared human history. We mourn the thousands of lives lost in 1994 due to the systemic dehumanization, the Genocide Against the Tutsis in Rwanda.”
Survivor and Author, Gustave Mukurarinda shared his harrowing testimony, recounting his
experiences as an 11-year-old during the genocide. He has detailed his story of survival,
unwavering resilience and courage as he and two younger siblings (4 and 9 years old) escaped
the constant threat of death. He lost nearly all his family including his parents in the 100 days of brutal killing in Rwanda. He referenced the historical discrimination of Tutsis deeply rooted in ethnic divisions from Belgium and German colonialists which is also detailed in his book, The Snowfall. His words served as a powerful reminder that genocide is never spontaneous—it is meticulously planned and fueled by hatred.
A candle-lighting ceremony and song by DMV Rwandan Youth Cultural Group accompanied by
a slideshow of families killed in the genocide brought many to tears. It was a moment that
underscored the importance of preserving memory—not just for those directly impacted but for future generations.
Expert speakers Dr. Jean Kayitsinga and Dr. Bojana Coulibaly provided profound insights into the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and ethnic discrimination. Each speaker highlighted different aspects of remembrance—from honoring survivors to addressing root causes and advocating for global atrocity prevention.
Dr. Kayitsinga, a Sociologist at Michigan State University, emphasized that colonial powers,
particularly Belgium, and institutionalized ethnic divisions. This created deep-seated resentment, which was later exploited by political elites to incite violence. He highlighted how decades of systemic discrimination laid the groundwork for the genocide, demonstrating that these atrocities were not spontaneous but meticulously planned.
Dr. Bojana Coulibaly, a researcher on conflict discourse in the Great Lakes region and manager of the African Language Program at Harvard elaborated on the mechanisms of genocide ideology, tracing its origins to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide when perpetrators fled to Zaire (now DRC) and established groups like the FDLR. She explained how these groups perpetuated hatred and violence against Congolese Tutsi communities, embedding genocide ideology into local discourse and fueling ongoing persecution.
Dr. Coulibaly also shed light on the current plight of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in
DRC, who face targeted killings, hate speech, and systemic discrimination. She warned of early signs of genocide against Congolese Tutsi communities and called for urgent international intervention to prevent further atrocities.
One sentiment communicated from the speakers was the frustration with the international community over the lack of accountability for many genocide perpetrators who live freely outside Rwanda, particularly in Western countries. Dr. Kayitsinga noted that political inaction has hindered extraditions and prosecutions, leaving survivors without justice.
The moving event was organized by the Rwandan Community of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV). Cathy Rwivanga, President of the Rwandan Community Abroad of the DMV, delivered heartfelt remarks emphasizing unity and resilience within the diaspora. She highlighted the role of Rwandans abroad in preserving memory while contributing to Rwanda’s ongoing progress. Her words were a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to honor survivors and confront genocide denial.
Closing remarks were offered by Honorable Charles Ntageruka, representing the Embassy of
Rwanda in the United States, praised Rwanda’s remarkable journey from devastation to unity
and development. He called on attendees to remain vigilant against hate speech and divisive
ideologies while continuing to support Rwanda’s vision of peace and reconciliation.
This commemoration was not just about remembering Rwanda’s darkest chapter but about urging global action against genocide everywhere. The world failed Rwanda in 1994. Today, we must recommit ourselves to Kwibuka—to remember, unite, and renew—so that “Never Again” becomes a reality.
Let us honor those we lost by standing against hatred and discrimination wherever it arises.
Together, we can ensure their legacy is one of peace and humanity. Here is the video link for the event: https://www.youtube.com/live/FkCXz1MkqTU?si=LXj0pJ649PChilir
