Every year, in April, Rwanda enters a period of national mourning to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—a time marked by reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment to unity.
Known as Kwibuka, the 100-day commemoration includes various activities such as educational discussions, memorial site visits, and the Walk to Remember. Increasingly, young Rwandans are stepping up to play a vital role in these activities, ensuring that the legacy of the genocide is not forgotten.
Rwandan youth during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through walks, flame lighting and discussions. (Photos above by Thierry Kibibi)
Commemoration events provide an opportunity to delve into the complex historical roots of the genocide, including colonial divisions, extremist propaganda, and political manipulation.
For the youth, understanding these causes is critical, not just as a history lesson, but as a foundation for peacebuilding. It equips them to recognize the early warning signs of violence and empowers them to speak out against hate and division.
One of the young voices contributing to this mission is 17-year-old Blessing Ucyeye Ngoga, a Grade 11 science student at Excella School in Gasabo. On April 7, 2025, Ngoga joined her community in Zirakamwa, Kicukiro, to mark the beginning of the commemoration week.
Blessing Ucyeye Ngoga, a student at Excella school.
“Participating in remembrance activities helps us understand the origins of genocide ideology—what made it happen, what inspired people to kill others,” she said. “We have to know our dark past to build a better present and future. We must remember that we are Rwandans first—there is no division. Let us make sure that what happened in 1994 never happens again.”
The commemoration also serves as a deeply humanizing moment. Through memorial ceremonies, vigils, and the lighting of the Flame of Remembrance, victims are honored not as statistics, but as individuals with families, dreams, and lives that mattered. Survivor testimonies and visits to memorial sites personalize the tragedy and reinforce the importance of preserving memory against denial and distortion.
Robert Rwamahina, 23, a university student and spare parts dealer based in Nyabugogo, echoed similar sentiments. He believes the youth have a special responsibility in carrying forward the torch of remembrance.
Robert Rwamahina, a student at the University of Kigali.
“These activities offer us a space to come together, honor those we lost, and keep their memories alive,” said Rwamahina. “My advice to fellow young people is to educate ourselves—learn the history, listen to survivors, and embrace values of empathy, unity, and justice. Be the generation that rejects hatred and builds lasting peace.”
The role of educators and parents is equally critical in shaping this awareness. Schools provide structured learning about the genocide, encouraging critical thinking and historical analysis, while parents reinforce values and offer context through open family dialogue.
Anastase Rwabuneza, a Social and Behavior Change Communication specialist at World Vision and author on genocide-related topics, underscored the importance of youth education and parental guidance.
Anastase Rwabuneza, a Social and Behavior Change Communication specialist at World Vision and an author on genocide related topics.
“We remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to prevent genocide ideology, preserve memory, and restore dignity,” Rwabuneza explained. “There’s also intergenerational trauma—pain and emotional scars passed from survivors to their children. Parents must teach values of empathy and resilience and provide age-appropriate guidance to protect youth from ideology and fear.”
Intergenerational trauma refers to the psychological wounds of genocide survivors that are unknowingly passed down to their children. Even those not directly exposed to the horrors may absorb the trauma through their parents’ emotional struggles, often leading to anxiety, fear, or identity challenges.
The active participation of young Rwandans in the Kwibuka commemorations reflects not only their commitment to remembering the past but also their resolve to shape a future grounded in unity, reconciliation, and peace. Their engagement offers hope—a powerful reminder that the next generation is ready to safeguard Rwanda’s hard-won stability and ensure that history never repeats itself.
