Having joined APR FC in January 2025 after moving from JS Kabylie in Algeria, Ouattara had spent nine months in Rwanda before he decided to pay his respects at the memorial in October.
The visit was not just a routine tour but a profound, personal journey to understand the painful history that Rwanda went through in 1994, a history that saw the loss of over a million Tutsi lives during the genocide.
Speaking to IGIHE in an exclusive interview, Ouattara said that the visit was a moment of reflection and a way to honor the victims of this devastating period in Rwanda’s history.
“I visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to better understand the history of Rwanda, to pay tribute to the victims, and to take a moment of reflection,” Ouattara shared.
The memorial, with its heart-wrenching exhibits and solemn atmosphere, gave him the opportunity to grasp the depth of Rwanda’s suffering during the genocide and to appreciate the resilience of its people.
Ouattara was visibly moved by what he encountered at the memorial. At Gisozi, he saw exhibits, testimonies, and photos of victims, as well as the graves where thousands of Tutsi victims are buried.
He described the experience, saying, “At Gisozi, I discovered a place full of history, pain, and dignity. I saw exhibits on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, testimonies, photos of victims, and the graves where thousands of people rest. It is a very striking and deeply moving place.”
The powerful imagery and personal stories he witnessed at the memorial left a lasting impression on him.
After his visit, Ouattara shared the experience with friends and family, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past and learning from it.
“Yes, I talked about it with some of my friends because I think this kind of visit is important to share. It’s a way to raise awareness, transmit the memory, and encourage everyone to reflect on the consequences of hatred and division,” he explained.
For Ouattara, it is crucial that people understand the tragic history of Rwanda to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.
The striker was also inspired by Rwanda’s remarkable recovery and unity. He admired how the country, despite its painful history, has rebuilt itself, creating a sense of national unity and hope for the future.
“I felt deeply moved by the pain of this place, but also inspired by the strength of Rwanda. Despite a very painful history, the country was able to rise again, rebuild its unity, and move forward with hope,” Ouattara reflected, noting that the strength of the Rwandan people is something that continues to inspire him.
For Ouattara, the most important takeaway from his visit was a message of memory, unity, and collective responsibility.
He emphasized the importance of peace, cohesion, and the need to protect these values every day.
“The main message I take away is the importance of memory, unity, and collective responsibility. This visit reminded me that peace, cohesion, and living together are precious values that must be protected every day,” he said.
Ouattara also had a message for the sports community, urging athletes to contribute to building a united society.
“My message to the sports community is one of unity, respect, and peace. Sport must be a space for brotherhood, discipline, and reconciliation. During this time of commemoration, I invite all actors in the sports world to remember, honor the victims, and contribute to building a united society,” he said.
He believes that sport has a vital role in promoting the values of peace and solidarity, and every athlete should be part of this mission.
As one of the top players in the Rwandan Premier League this season, Ouattara has scored 11 goals in 18 games, placing third on the top scorers’ list.
His impressive performance comes after playing a crucial role in helping APR FC win the league title, the Peace Cup, and the Heroes Cup in the previous season.
His commitment on and off the field reflects his dedication not only to football but also to spreading positive values and contributing to the well-being of society.
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