Ivan Damascene Iradukunda
The youth reaffirmed this on Friday, June 12, 2026, during the commemoration of the youth killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event took place in Remera Sector, Gatsibo District.
Many youths from different villages of Remera Sector joined leaders and Genocide survivors to remember their peers who were brutally killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In their messages, the youth showed their commitment to stand at the forefront of fighting and eradicating Genocide ideology, lies, and division. They urged their peers to avoid any speech that could cause discrimination, and instead work for unity and reconciliation.
Bamporiki Leonard said, “We learned the history of our fellow youth who were killed because they were Tutsi. What we chose today is to continue honoring them by rejecting anything that promotes Genocide ideology. We will be ambassadors of truth and unity in schools, families, and on social media.”
Ndayambaje Theodore added, “We, the youth of today, have a responsibility to plant love and reject hatred. Genocide ideology will never divide us again because we know our history well. We commit to working together to build a new Rwanda.”
MUGABO Eugene, Gatsibo District Youth Coordinator, said that youth are the foundation of the country’s development and unity.
He stated, “Youth are ambassadors of truth. We encourage them not to give up in fighting Genocide ideology and in preserving the gains made after 1994. Play your role in building a country based on the values of integrity, courage, and unity.”
Sibomana Jean Nepo, President of Ibuka in Gatsibo District, thanked the youth for their commitment to commemoration and working for the future.
He said, “We thank all of you who came to join the youth in commemorating the youth who perished in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. You are the pillars of the nation and you build it. You should make good choices as you are always advised, because the future of Rwanda is in your hands. Keep it up and be good role models in preserving our history and teaching others the truth so that Genocide never happens again.”
Sekanyange Jean Leonard, Vice Mayor of Gatsibo District in charge of Economic Development and Guest of Honor, commended the youth for upholding the values of integrity and courage. He urged them to use their energy to build the country and protect the achievements made after the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He said: “When you have youth who are well educated, have values, and are respectful and obedient, you have hope for a bright future. What I ask each of you is to go and say ‘who else should I tell about what was said here so that those who didn’t get here will know’.”
He continued by urging the youth to stand up to those who speak ill of the country and to learn lessons from what they were told and pledge that it will never happen again. He also reminded them that what they are told should not be treated as old stories.
The youth affirmed that “Remember, Unite, Renew” is not just a theme for one day, but a minute-by-minute duty to reject evil and put love and unity first, and to stand up to anyone who tries to drag them into what the country went through during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The 32nd commemoration of the youth killed in the Genocide against the Tutsi was preceded by laying wreaths at the Kiziguro Genocide Memorial.
RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
