During the 14th edition of the Our Past initiative, held on Wednesday evening, April 9, 2025, at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District, the Minister of Youth and Arts, Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima, called on the organizers to extend their efforts to young people beyond Kigali, particularly in areas where genocide ideology is reportedly still present.
Over 8,000 youth gathered at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial for the 14th edition of the annual “Our Past” event, commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This year’s edition of the initiative focused on Rwanda’s resilience over the past 31 years, highlighting the nation’s progress in healing, unity, and development since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Minister commended the organizers for their ongoing commitment but emphasized the need for broader impact.
“There should be coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Arts, the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), and other stakeholders to take this message to youth in districts like Rubavu and Ngoma,” Dr. Utumatwishima said. “Educated youth across the country deserve the opportunity to hear this message directly from their peers.”
The Minister also expressed concern over the persistence of genocide ideology, particularly among housekeepers and cattle keepers in rural areas, underlining the importance of inclusive engagement.
Our Past initiative has become a platform for remembrance and education, especially targeting youth. Dr. Utumatwishima praised the initiative’s 14-year journey, acknowledging its role in shaping a generation that understands the country’s history and rejects division.
“I commend Our Past for its consistent efforts. However, we must remain vigilant—those who sought to divide us have also been consistent in their agenda for over a century,” he said. “Other youth groups should be inspired by this example and stand firm against genocide ideology.”
The event also paid tribute to the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) for its pivotal role in halting the Genocide against the Tutsi at a time when international forces, including UNAMIR contingents from Belgium and Bangladesh stationed at the former ETO Kicukiro (now IPRC Kigali), failed to protect those seeking refuge.
Col. Desire Migambi urged today’s youth to stay vigilant against divisive rhetoric and uphold unity and progress.
Col. Désiré Migambi, representing the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), delivered a powerful message about the liberation struggle and the critical role of young people in the fight for justice and development. He urged today’s youth to remain alert to divisive rhetoric and continue to uphold the values of unity and progress.
Minister Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima stressed that educated youth nationwide should hear the message of the genocide directly from their peers
The initiative also showcased its community support efforts, which include constructing and renovating over 50 houses for Genocide survivors and supporting adolescent girls with access to sanitary products to ensure uninterrupted education.
“We are deeply grateful to our partners and officials who honored our invitation, including Col. Désiré Migambi and Minister Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima,” said Sharon Bayingana, Secretary General of Our Past, following a video presentation highlighting the initiative’s milestones. She also extended thanks to Ibuka and other sponsors for their unwavering support.
The 14th edition event in Kigali served as a precursor to upcoming international editions of Our Past, scheduled for April 13 in Qatar, May 1 in Italy, May 11 in Poland, and France thereafter—extending Rwanda’s story of resilience and remembrance to a global audience.
Photos by Manzi Titus
