At the Kigali Genocide Memorial today, officiating the start of one hundred days of mourning as Rwandans mark the 25th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, President Kagame, First Lady Jeannette Kagame and invited dignitaries laid wreaths at the burial place where more than a quarter of a million lives laid to rest.

Together with H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and H.E. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Union Commission, they lit the Flame of Remembrance “Urumuli rw’icyizere”. The Flame of Remembrance symbolises the courage and resilience of Rwandans over the last 25 years.

On his address during a National Remembrance Ceremony at Kigali Convention Centre, President Paul Kagame acknowledged the resilience and bravery of survivors.

“To survivors, I say thank you. Your resilience and bravery represent the triumph of the Rwandan character in its purest form.” He said

He also emphasised on the commitment Rwandans have made to be one, strong and strive to never again a reality.

 “Twenty-five years later, here we are. All of us. Wounded and heartbroken, yes. But unvanquished.”

“Nothing has the power to turn Rwandans against each other, ever again. This history will not repeat. That is our firm commitment.” He added.

President Kagame also expressed Rwanda’s faith in its youth for the transformation.

“Rwanda’s young people have everything needed to transform our country. They have the responsibility to take charge more and more, and participate fully in securing the Rwanda we want and deserve.” President Kagame said. 

Activities on today’s commemoration followed by a Walk to Remember and a Night Vigil at Amahoro National Stadium.

During the 100 days of mourning, the Kigali Genocide Memorial will hosts thousands of survivors, friends and visitors to pay their respects to the victims of the Genocide.

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The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a home for survivors, relatives and friends of victims to remember their loved ones and for the world to pay tribute to more than one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Visitors can also leave a message in the memorial’s digital guestbook as a way to remember the victims and show support to survivors. You can leave your message in the Memorial’s guestbook here