Kigali Genocide Memorial welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan to pay respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and learn more about the history of Genocide.

President Xi Jinping was in Rwanda for a two-day State visit. On his visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial, Xi began his visit with a laying of wreath on the burial place where more than 250.000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are laid to rest.

Following this, President Xi Jinping was guided through the exhibits in the museum, learning the history of the genocide, from the colonial roots of ethnic divisions, through to the horrors of the killings. He also had the opportunity to learn about the efforts by Rwandans of all ages and from all walks of life to rebuild and reconcile after the Genocide.

Among other government officials and diplomats accompanied President Xi on his visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial includes: Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports and Culture, Julienne Uwacu, Rwanda’s ambassador to China, Lt. Gen. Charles Kayonga and the Executive Secretary of Rwanda’s National Commission for the Fight against Genocide, Dr Jean-Damascène Bizimana.

To conclude his visit, Xi left a message in the memorial guest book and stressed on the importance of learning from the history.

President Xi wrote:

“Take history as a mirror, cherish peace. I pay my respects to the victims of the Genocide”