On 10 June the Rwanda Peace Partnership (RPP) held a commemoration event to honour the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and reaffirm its collective commitment to peacebuilding under the guiding principle of “Never Again.”
The Rwanda Peace Partnership, a consortium of three leading peacebuilding organizations, Aegis Trust, Interpeace, and Never Again Rwanda organized the event to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Genocide and the nation’s journey toward healing, unity, and resilience.
The event brought together staff from member organizations, civil society actors, government institutions, and development partners. Participants engaged in a day of remembrance, reflection, and dialogue focused on Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery and the role of civil society in safeguarding peace.
The commemoration began with a visit to the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, offering a deeper understanding of the Rwandan Patriotic Army’s liberation struggle that brought an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi. The visit underscored the ongoing importance of combating genocide ideology and denial through education and advocacy.
This was followed by a solemn ceremony at the Kigali Genocide Memorial amphitheatre, which featured survivor testimony and a panel discussion on the vital role civil society organizations both local and international play in addressing the lasting effects of Genocide and preventing future atrocities.
In his keynote address, Hon. Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, delivered a strong message:
“Uphold historical truth, preserve memory, and protect Rwandan identity.” He emphasized the responsibility of young people to remain vigilant against new forms of genocide ideology.
Ms. Martina F. Mohlin, Representative of the Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda, commended Rwanda’s post-genocide resilience, stating:
“Rwanda chose to rise above its history. In doing so, you have shown the world that we always have a choice. Empowering you, the custodians of peace, is essential for sustaining that peace and building an even brighter future.”
Genocide survivor Ms. Zihinjishi Monique also shared a moving reflection:
“What we went through cannot be described in words, but I am grateful that today we have a country and leadership that not only allows us to remember our history but also assures us that what happened will never happen again.”
More About Rwanda Peace Partnership (RPP)
The Rwanda Peace Partnership (RPP) was launched on 30 September 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda, with financial support from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It brings together three organizations: Interpeace, Aegis Trust, and Never Again Rwanda, engaged in complementary peacebuilding initiatives in Rwanda.
Aegis Trust focuses on the prevention and eventual elimination of genocide through peace education, research, and advocacy. It encourages communities to move from mistrust and prejudice to shared responsibility for peace.
Interpeace, an international organisation for peacebuilding, implements a societal trauma healing programme using a holistic approach to mental health, social cohesion, and sustainable livelihoods. Through healing spaces, the programme addresses intergenerational trauma and fosters community resilience.
Never Again Rwanda empowers citizens with non-violent tools for conflict resolution, promotes trust-building, and engages youth in critical thinking and peacebuilding through dialogue and inclusive engagement.
These organizations believe in harmonizing their frameworks for mutual learning, continuous experience sharing, and coordinated strategies for effective peacebuilding.
