On Monday, April 7, Rwanda and the rest of the world will begin the 31st annual remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This three-month period honors the victims of the genocide and underlines Rwanda’s dedication to the “never again” resolution.
Commemoration week, with the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew,” will begin on April 7 and serve as the catalyst for the festivities. In addition to discussing the awful history that preceded the genocide, the time will also focus on Rwandans’ resilience, unity, and rebuilding process, as well as their shared obligation to combat genocide and its expressions.
This is the schedule for how the three-month celebration will proceed:
- April 7: Nationwide public holiday in remembrance
The national ceremony will be held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial on April 7, marking the start of commemorative activities at the national level. The flag of the country will fly at half-mast throughout the week of mourning.
Beginning at the Parliament, a “Walk to Remember” will conclude at BK Arena, where a nightly vigil will take place. Both national television and radio will carry the activities.
Commemoration will start in the district memory centers or other approved memorial locations in each of Rwanda’s 30 districts. The Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) will host talks during village-level memory events, which will be followed by a message of the day.
In order to allow for the resumed regular activities, the activities will end by midday.
including transportation and hospitality, essential services including pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics will remain open throughout the morning.
2. Week of Commemoration, April 8–13
Activities will take place nationwide throughout the memorial week, which runs from April 8 to April 13, on days determined by the appropriate authorities.
For instance, in addition to youth activities, a lecture for international organizations and foreign ambassadors will take place in Rwanda on April 10.
A “Walk to Remember” is scheduled for April 11 in Kicukiro District. It will begin at IPRC Kicukiro and conclude with a memorial night at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro.
Individual sports, team training, business, and other livelihood activities will continue throughout the week.