Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

On April 12, 2025, the ASA team visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial as part of the national commemoration marking the 31st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

During the visit, they were guided through the memorial’s exhibits, which chronicle the events leading up to the genocide and the devastating consequences of hate-driven politics under the First and Second Republics. They also listened to powerful survivor testimonies and witnessed Rwanda’s extraordinary journey of recovery and reconciliation.

The visit concluded with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial’s mass graves, honoring the more than one million lives lost.

Christian Salifou, Managing Director of ASA International (Rwanda) Plc, described the visit as a meaningful act of remembrance and solidarity with the people of Rwanda and the international community.

He expressed gratitude to those who risked—and sacrificed—their lives to save others during the genocide, and stressed the importance of preserving historical truth and educating future generations to ensure such horrors are never repeated.

Gerard Mpyisi, Chairman of ASA International (Rwanda) Plc, expressed profound sorrow that the genocide was planned and executed while much of the international community remained silent.

He lamented the continued denial of the genocide by some global leaders even after it was stopped by the RPF Inkotanyi—many of whom chose to mischaracterize it as “ethnic conflict” rather than recognizing it as genocide.

“It’s heartbreaking that some of the people who denied the Genocide against the Tutsi were representatives of major international organizations, including the United Nations at the time,” Mpyisi noted.

He urged all Rwandans, wherever they may be, to remain vigilant and active in ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated. He also called for national unity in confronting and rejecting groups like the FDLR, which continue to propagate genocidal ideologies.

Several ASA International (Rwanda) staff who are genocide survivors shared emotional testimonies of the trauma they endured and the resilience they’ve shown in rebuilding their lives.

Jean Nepomuscene Ndagijimana, a survivor, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing the murder of his relatives as a young child.

“I was only seven years old during the genocide. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I saw it all,” he shared. “While hiding with my mother, I saw my uncle, Rutagarama, struck on the head with a machete. I became the eldest in my family after we lost 23 members of our extended family.”

Despite the trauma and the burden of caring for his younger siblings at such a young age, he managed to continue his education with the support of Genocide Survivors Assistance Fund (FARG). Today, he is a husband and father, and his siblings have also gone on to build meaningful lives.

The visit left a profound impact on the ASA team, strengthening their resolve to honor the memory of the victims, confront genocide denial, and promote a culture of peace, remembrance, and unity.

The two ministers met in Antalya, Turkey, on the sidelines of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025), which began on Friday under the patronage of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This development was confirmed by the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing Somalia’s contributions to global peace and security, particularly as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, advocating for diplomatic solutions to international challenges.

Rwanda and Somalia have established agreements to collaborate in combating cross-border crimes, terrorism, and human trafficking.

The two nations also cooperate to tackle cybercrime, the illegal circulation of small arms, as well as exchanging information and sharing expertise between their law enforcement institutions, while promoting training and capacity building.

He made the call on April 7, as Rwandans in the Netherlands commemorated the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The ceremony began with the laying of wreath at the memorial site, located in the Beatrix park in the city of Amsterdam.

It was followed by a commemorative ceremony in which the representative of IBUKA-NL, Mr. Joseph Rutazihana, the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam, Mrs. Touria Meliani, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mrs. Anneke Van Dijk delivered messages of solidarity with the victims and hope for the survivors.

Speaking at the event, Mukama highlighted that the pursuit of justice must continue to ensure that the horrors of the genocide are never repeated.

While the genocide ended long ago, he stressed that its ideology still lingers, with many perpetrators remaining unpunished and called for action to decimate impunity.

“We cannot correct the past but the collective responsibility of ensuring justice remains. At this moment, there are still genocide fugitives freely roaming in European cities and elsewhere in the world.

“Rwanda has issued more than a thousand indictments to 34 countries. I wish to re-iterate our call to the countries that are yet to take action on this matter to help us uphold the principle of justice and accountability,” added Mukama.

The Chargé d’Affaires further acknowledged the significant contributions of the Netherlands, particularly in judicial cooperation and the prosecution of genocide fugitives.

“Your contribution in the building and repair of infrastructure, capacity building as well as in the investigation, the extradition and the prosecution of genocide fugitives residing in the Netherlands, not only demonstrates your commitment to the principle of justice that the Netherlands is renowned for but also cements your position as reliable partner,” he stated.

Mukama also reminded the international community that the genocide ideology still spreads, particularly in Europe, through revisionist narratives and denialist movements.

He urged that efforts to fight this ideology should continue, not only to ensure justice but also to prevent future atrocities.

This warning was part of a statement released on Friday, April 11. The rainfall is mostly anticipated to affect several regions, including Kigali City, the Northern and Western Provinces, and Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru Districts. During this period, rainfall is expected to range from 25 mm to 60 mm per day.

The heavy rainfall is likely to bring about several hazards, including the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Additionally, areas with steep slopes and inadequate erosion control measures may experience landslides. Thunderstorms are also expected, adding to the weather-related risks.

In light of these conditions, Meteo Rwanda has advised the general public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impacts of the heavy rainfall.

Addressing the Senate plenary session on April 2, 2025, the Minister in charge of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, outlined the country’s preparedness to combat disasters prevalent during the rainy season.

He revealed a recent assessment identifying 522 high-risk areas encompassing 22,000 households and approximately 100,000 people vulnerable to natural disasters.

Minister Murasira emphasized the ongoing continuous monitoring efforts to ensure the safety of residents before disasters strike. The assessment also highlighted the vulnerability of over 25,000 hectares of farmland, around 200 infrastructures, and 23 public buildings, including offices and churches.

Breaking down the at-risk districts, he noted that Rusizi has 88 households at high risk, followed by Rubavu with 452, Rutsiro with 424, Nyabihu with 364, and Nyamasheke with 100.

Furthermore, Minister Murasira confirmed that Rwanda’s overall disaster resilience level currently stands at 46%.

To manage potential displacement, the country has identified 14 designated relocation sites for affected individuals. Statistics indicate the significant impact of natural disasters, causing damages worth over 222.3 billion Rwandan Francs in 2023.

He made these remarks on April 9, 2025, during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District. The event was organized by Our Past Initiative organization.

Minister Utumatwishima pointed out that a significant challenge remains in the form of genocide ideology, which is becoming evident among young people who have not had the opportunity to study, such as herders and domestic workers.

He expressed concern that those seeking to distort history are targeting this group of youth, who have not had the same educational opportunities, unlike those who have received formal education and thus better understand the history.

“The enemy may have realized that we, those who managed to go to school and come from resourceful families, are now more aware of the history. There is still a problem with some youth who have not had this opportunity,” Dr. Utumatwishima noted.

The Minister urged educated youth to take it upon themselves to teach those who have not had the chance to learn about the genocide, and to help eliminate any form of genocide ideology and hatred among their peers.

“Let us work together with ‘Our Past Initiative’ and other youth organizations to find ways to reach those young people and teach them. Genocide ideology, cruelty, and hatred lead to nothing but destruction. We must fight against it relentlessly,” he emphasized.

‘Our Past Initiative’, which has been commemorating the Genocide Against the Tutsi since 2012, brings together youth each year on April 9 to engage in discussions about the history of the genocide.

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The event brought together leaders and experts from around the world. The conference was presided over by Dr Diogene Bideri, a National Prosecutor and expert in international criminal law.

The discussion focused on reflecting upon what occurred in 1994, when over one million Tutsi were brutally killed, and the lessons that can be drawn from that tragedy—particularly for the youth. It also served as a moment to honor the victims while reaffirming the collective commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.

The discussion featured three main presentations from international legal experts:
{{The Genocide Ideology and the Duty to Remember: }} This presentation focused on how genocide ideology evolved in Rwanda during the colonial period, the First and Second Republics, the methods used to spread it—including hate speeches and propaganda and the danger such an ideology poses to humanity. The presentation was given by Dr. Sibo Gahizi Yves, a lecturer at ILPD and expert in international criminal law.

Another similarly important theme was {{The Institutional Francophone in the Face of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda }} by Dr. Aymeric Durez, a lecturer at Javeriana University in Bogotá, Republic of Colombia in Latin America, and expert in international relations.

He examined the failure of the Francophonie institutions in Rwanda, their silent complicity in genocide their support to the genocidaire government and their dishonest shift of blame to those who stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi. Dr Durez investigated archives from the Francophonie and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These archives prove that these two institutions were informed about the preparation of Genocide against the Tutsi but kept silent.

{{The next theme was The Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994:}} What Lessons Can We Learn Today?Professor Roger Koudé, a lecturer at the Catholic University of Lyon in France and expert in international law, discussed the recurring global vow of “Never again” after every genocide.

Despite these vows, atrocities have continued to occur, such as the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the genocide in Srebrenica, and the situation that is ongoing in Darfur since 2003. Despite efforts by the international community, the risk of genocide remains a pressing reality in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, the Near and Middle East, and Asia.

Studies, including those by the UN and the Atrocity Forecasting Project, highlight Africa as especially vulnerable, underscoring the need for the continent to play a leading role in international efforts to prevent and sanction genocide.

In light of current crises like the war in Ukraine, where both sides allege genocide, such risks must be taken seriously to avoid repeating the failures of the past. Professor Roger Koudé recalled that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the fact that preventing genocide is not only a moral duty but also a legal obligation under international law, primarily falling on states.

The leadership of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development hailed the partnership with the Chaire UNESCO of the Catholic University of Lyon that has facilitated the organization of the conference. The two institutions share the same goal of raising global awareness against genocide ideology.

In his opening remarks, the Rector of ILPD, Dr Aimé Muyoboke reminded that one of the primary goals of the 1948 Genocide convention was to prevent genocide ideology.

He reminded that article 2 of the genocide convention has made it a crime to have ‘an intention to destroy in whole or in part” one of the four protected groups, namely racial, religious, national and ethnic groups.

“The criminalization of the intent aimed to send a strong message of zero tolerance to all forms of discriminations that are the early stage of genocide,” he said.

Dr. Muyoboke indicated that the genocide against the Tutsi was an indication of the failure of the Genocide Convention that, a generation later, is again defied in the Great Lakes Region and elsewhere in the world.

“Risk factors of genocide in Eastern DRC, in Myanmar, Syria to name a few are of public notice. The world should not say again it did not know. It should rather remember that in regions where genocide happened before the risk of genocide is three times higher and act promptly to prevent a new genocide. The resurgence of hate speeches and propaganda, if not contained and eradicated forever, will make this convention to be an illusion,” he concluded.

For ILPD and the Chaire UNESCO of the Catholic University of Lyon, the conference was an introduction to another conference planned in June 2025 in Kigali-Rwanda.

The end-goal is the transfer of knowledge, skills and competence to the young people from all over the world in matters related to the fight against genocide ideology and transitional justice.

Participants from all over the world commended this initiative and appreciated the partnership between the two institutions.

The requiem mass drew a distinguished crowd, including ministers, Prosecutor General Angelique Habyarimana, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo, Rwanda National Police Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, and Rwanda Broadcasting Agency Director General Cleophas Barore, among others.

Musicians, artists, and athletes also gathered to pay their respects.

A well-known figure in Rwanda’s arts community, Mukuralinda was celebrated by entertainers such as Clapton Kibonke, Ndimbati, DJ Bisoso, DJ Ira, and Mico The Best.

In tribute to his contributions, artists composed a song honoring his legacy in the music industry.

During a funeral service held the evening before his burial, Muyoboke Alex reflected on Mukuralinda’s pivotal role in advancing the sector, urging others to preserve his progress.

Mukuralinda’s love for sports was equally evident. Athletes and coaches from his former team, Tsinda Batsinde, attended to honor his memory.

A passionate football enthusiast, he founded a youth football team and composed the anthem “Tsinda Batsinde” for Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi, alongside other popular songs cherished by local clubs.

In his homily, Cardinal Kambanda spoke of the profound loss felt by those who knew Mukuralinda.

“Death is painful when it takes someone like Alain Mukuralinda—someone vital to his family and destined for even greater things. Yet, while it saddens us, life does not end with death,” he said.

The Cardinal praised Mukuralinda’s generosity, deep faith, and dedication to nurturing young talent, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds. “That is a powerful legacy he has left us,” he added.

Sina Gerard, a close family member, remembered Mukuralinda as a humble man who inspired younger generations with his work ethic and love for music.

Recalling their six years together—spanning Mukuralinda’s return from studies in Belgium to the building of his own family—Gerard noted their harmonious bond.

Mukuralinda’s wife, overcome with emotion, thanked those who supported their family during this challenging time.

She spoke of her husband’s unwavering devotion to both his career and loved ones, emphasizing his ability to balance both with care and affection.

Born in 1970 in Rulindo, Mukuralinda moved to Kigali with his family at age two.

He built a distinguished career in justice and politics, serving as a prosecutor and spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Authority.

In the entertainment world, he gained fame as a musician under the stage name “Alain Muku” and founded Boss Papa, a company dedicated to supporting artists.

Mukuralinda leaves behind a rich legacy of unity, compassion, and steadfast support for Rwanda’s youth, forever etched in the nation’s cultural and sporting history.

Amb. Karega made this statement on April 9, 2025, during a discussion at the Kigali Genocide Memorial on the state of ethnic discrimination in the Great Lakes region, held as part of the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

He noted that while Rwanda has made considerable progress in combating ethnic division, the rise of discriminatory ideologies in neighboring countries remains a significant concern.

“We still witness killings, displacement, and the ongoing exile of Tutsis. This is particularly evident in Burundi and the DRC. In Tanzania, there are Rwandans referred to as ‘Abaha’, but no one seems to care about that,” said Karega. “They are also in Uganda but the Constitution protects them. […] Whether their claims are true or not, they don’t face death or expulsion because of their identity.”

Amb. Karega further elaborated that in Burundi, ethnic issues have evolved, with their consequences extending beyond its borders.

He cited the example of refugees fleeing ethnic violence in Burundi who are now in Europe and Canada, often escaping groups like the Imbonerakure.

He also noted that some individuals fleeing similar groups end up seeking refuge, underscoring the enduring nature of ethnic hatred.

The ambassador also expressed his worry that many individuals, especially outside the region, lack a comprehensive understanding of the region’s history.

This lack of awareness can lead them to accept false narratives and align themselves with those who reject the Tutsi community.

Focusing on the DRC, Amb. Karega provided a stark illustration: “Congolese who are well-educated and knowledgeable about global history once said, ‘Ruberwa Azarias, who was Vice President of the DRC, can’t possibly be Congolese.’ When asked why he could not be Congolese, they claimed, ‘Because he is Tutsi, and no Tutsi can be Congolese.’”

He emphasized that despite the DRC’s rich diversity with over 400 ethnic groups, some individuals propagate the idea that Tutsis are foreigners, originating from places like Ethiopia or Russia, and falsely label them as criminals who should reside in Rwanda.

Amb. Karega concluded by stressing that this ethnic ideology is not limited to ordinary citizens in the DRC but is also held by educated individuals, including those with advanced degrees.

He also pointed out the perceived lack of significant efforts by the DRC government to actively combat this harmful ideology.