KIGALI, Rwanda – In a solemn and significant gesture, a high-level delegation from the World Bank, led by Mr. Ndiamé Diop, the Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, paid their respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi during a visit to Rwanda this week.
The delegation visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, the final resting place for over 250,000 victims. They laid a wreath at the burial grounds and toured the memorial’s exhibits, which document the history, execution, and aftermath of the genocide that claimed over one million lives in 100 days.
The visit was described as a profound opportunity for the international financial leaders to deepen their understanding of Rwanda’s journey from the devastation of the genocide to its current status as a beacon of economic progress and reconciliation in Africa.
“In paying our respects, we are reminded of the profound resilience of the Rwandan people,” said Mr. Diop following the tour. “Understanding this history is crucial to appreciating the nation’s remarkable transformation. The World Bank stands in solidarity with Rwanda, not only in honoring the memory of the victims but also in supporting its ambitious path toward sustainable development and unity.”
delegation led by Mr Ndiamé Diop, Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, paid respects to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and toured memorial exhibits to learn more about its history.
The memorial tour includes detailed exhibits on the colonial roots of ethnic division, the systematic propaganda that fueled the genocide, and poignant displays of personal effects and photographs of the victims. The delegation also visited the children’s memorial and the sections dedicated to other global genocides.
Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, who accompanied the delegation, emphasized the importance of such visits. “When our partners take the time to understand our history, it strengthens our collaboration. The Genocide against the Tutsi is the foundational tragedy of modern Rwanda. Our nation’s development goals are intrinsically linked to our commitment to remember, to unite, and to rebuild.”
The World Bank has been a key development partner for Rwanda in the post-genocide era, supporting projects in sectors ranging from agriculture and energy to human capital development and digital innovation. The delegation’s itinerary also included high-level meetings with government officials to discuss the strategic partnership and future projects aimed at fostering inclusive growth.
The visit underscores a growing recognition among international institutions that engaging with Rwanda’s painful history is essential to comprehending its present-day priorities and its determined vision for the future. By bearing witness to the past, the World Bank’s leadership signals a deeper, more context-aware partnership with the East African nation.
