The commemoration event, held on April 30, 2026, began with a visit to Nyanza Genocide Memorial followed by a visit to Gahanga Sector in Kicukiro District. As part of its longstanding support to survivors, Akagera Busness Group and Toyota Rwanda provided a contribution of 1 million RWF each to two families from Gahanga and Kagasa, underscoring its dedication to solidarity and community impact.
Employees later held commemoration talks at the company’s headquarter in Karuruma, Jali Sector, Gasabo District.
Dr. Théoneste Rutayisire, Head of Research at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), outlined Rwanda’s historical trajectory from the pre-colonial period, through colonial rule, to the Second Republic, which culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He stressed that genocide is never accidental but planned and systematically prepared over time.
“Genocide does not happen by accident. It is planned, as was the case in 1994. It was prepared and taught for over 30 years,” he said.
He noted that the genocide was not only orchestrated by political actors but also involved businesspeople and investors who played a role in its preparation and execution.
“In the preparation of the Genocide against the Tutsi, political power and financial influence were both used. Some businessmen benefited from bank loans to strengthen their enterprises, and later those same resources were used to support the genocide agenda,” he said.
Participants also heard testimony from genocide survivor and ABG employee Gilbert Gasore, who survived in the former Cyangugu Prefecture, Kimbogo Commune (now Mwururu Sector, Rusizi District). He shared his traumatic experience and the circumstances that enabled his survival.
Gilbert Gasore said he was 16 years old at the time and had already witnessed signs of preparation for the genocide, including the stockpiling and production of weapons used to kill Tutsi civilians in his area.
He dismissed claims that the genocide was triggered by the shooting down of the presidential plane, saying preparations had long been underway.
“In our area, a man known as ‘Byabeyi’ was responsible for sharpening spears and reinforcing clubs with nails. He would go into the forests searching for wood used to make these weapons,” he said.
He added that these weapons were produced under the instruction of a local youth, Théodore Rukeratabara, and were later used in attacks that killed Tutsi residents in the area.
The representative of Ibuka in Gasabo District, Madame Solange Mukanizeyimana, recalled the history of La Rwandaise during the Genocide, explaining how the Interahamwe looted vehicles that were in stock at Karuruma, leaving the company in a very bad state. She also expressed appreciation to the investors of both companies for coming to Rwanda, investing, and providing employment opportunities to Rwandans.
Member of Parliament Murora Beth urged employees of both companies, most of whom are young people, to take an active role in countering genocide denial and distortion of history, particularly on social media.
“I want to remind you that the battle of guns is over. Today, the fight continues on social media, where some people distort the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi. You must learn this history so that you are able to respond to such narratives,” she said.
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