Kilimobenecyo Alphonse, a brilliant visual artist whose designs became central to Rwanda’s national identity, has passed away at the age of 66. Widely recognised for crafting the country’s flag, coat of arms, and key elements of its currency, Kilimobenecyo died in the early hours of Saturday, April 19, 2025. His death was confirmed by IGIHE, reflecting on his life and immense contributions to the nation’s visual heritage.
Kilimobenecyo’s passion for art began at a young age and led him to study at Rwanda’s prestigious Nyundo School of Art. His talent later earned him a scholarship to the Institut des Beaux-Arts de Kiev in the former Soviet Union, where he specialized in graphic arts.
After returning to Rwanda in 1988, he worked at the national textbook printing house, where he handled design, illustrations, and editorial layout at a time when digital tools were scarce. In 1989, he acquired his first computer, gradually transitioning into digital design.
Kilimobenecyo’s most iconic works remain the national flag and the coat of arms of Rwanda, both officially adopted on December 31, 2001. He emerged as the winner of a nationwide competition to redesign the country’s symbols following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The inclusion of the sun in the flag, a symbol of hope and renewal, was his unique idea and not part of the original criteria.
He also played a major role in designing various insignias for the Rwanda Defence Forces, including emblems for different military units and the formal script used on official gear. In 2017, he created a ceremonial sword presented to President Paul Kagame during a military event.
Kilimobenecyo also left his mark on Rwanda’s economy as well, having designed several denominations of the country’s currency, including the 5000 Frw, 2000 Frw, 1000 Frw, and 500 Frw banknotes, along with coins such as the 100 Frw piece still in circulation today.
In recent years, Kilimobenecyo devoted time to restoring and digitising historical photographs, breathing new life into vintage images to give younger generations a glimpse into Rwanda’s past. He shared these collections with local media as part of his commitment to education and cultural preservation.
Despite his major achievements, Kilimobenecyo remained modest and largely out of the public eye, having given only one in-depth media interview to IGIHE throughout his career. He was remembered for his humility, sense of humour, and mentorship, often engaging with younger artists and creatives.
