Category: Diaspora

In her address, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Luxembourg, Mimosa Aurore Munyangaju, recalled that July 4, 1994, remains a historic date marking both the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the beginning of Rwanda’s rebirth.

She emphasized that the day symbolizes “the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and unity over division,” noting that Liberation paved the way for national reconstruction, reconciliation, and development.

The Ambassador paid tribute to the men and women of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, who brought an end to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and enabled Rwanda to regain its dignity, sovereignty, and stability.

She also invited attendees to remember all those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberation, stressing that their courage and patriotism remain the foundation upon which Rwanda continues to build its future.

A nation transformed over 32 years

Reflecting on Rwanda’s journey since 1994, Ambassador Munyangaju noted that the country is now recognized as one of the most stable, safest, and fastest-growing nations on the African continent.

She attributed this transformation to a clear vision, determined leadership, and the commitment of all Rwandans. According to her, Liberation is no longer merely a historical event but an ongoing process that continues to guide the nation’s progress.

The Ambassador highlighted achievements in key sectors, including innovation, digital technology, entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare.

She also noted that Rwanda remains a global leader in women’s representation in public institutions, with women holding more than 60 percent of seats in the Chamber of Deputies.

In the health sector, she pointed to ongoing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027 through extensive Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage and improved access to treatment.

Strong Rwanda–Luxembourg partnership

The celebration also provided an opportunity to highlight the excellent relations between Rwanda and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The Ambassador underscored that the two countries share a common vision based on dialogue, mutual respect, solidarity, and the pursuit of innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.

She expressed gratitude to the Luxembourgish authorities for their warm welcome and continued support in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“My family, my colleagues, and I immediately felt at home in Luxembourg,” she said, describing the hospitality as a reflection of the deep friendship between the two nations.

Tribute to the Rwandan diaspora

Ambassador Munyangaju also praised the contribution of the Rwandan community in Luxembourg, describing its members as “living ambassadors of Rwanda.”

She commended the diaspora for its integration, discipline, and contribution to promoting Rwanda’s image while strengthening ties between the two countries.

Special appreciation was extended to community members who contributed to organizing the celebration, as well as to the artists and young people whose cultural performances showcased Rwanda’s rich heritage and identity.

The Ambassador further expressed gratitude to the staff of the Embassy of Rwanda in Luxembourg for their professionalism and dedication in advancing Rwanda’s diplomatic mission.

“Kwibohora is a permanent responsibility”

In her concluding remarks, the Ambassador stressed that the message of Kwibohora remains as relevant today as ever.

“A people that chooses unity can rebuild the impossible,” she said, adding that Liberation did not end on July 4, 1994, but continues every day through the efforts of every Rwandan striving to build a more prosperous nation.

The ceremony concluded with a toast in honor of the Republic of Rwanda, its people, the friendship between Rwanda and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the shared pursuit of peace and prosperity.

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The initiative was welcomed during an event hosted by the Rwanda High Commission in London in partnership with Inzira Creative Partners and the Rwanda Young Professionals Network UK & Ireland (RYPN UK & Ireland).

The gathering brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, business leaders, academics, diplomats, and members of the Rwandan diaspora to discuss the future of Rwanda’s creative economy and strengthen ties between Rwanda and the United Kingdom.

The evening also marked the official reception of a delegation of Rwandan fashion entrepreneurs and designers visiting the UK. As one of the first organised initiatives of its kind, the programme aims to introduce Rwanda’s fashion industry to the British market while creating opportunities for collaboration, business partnerships, and international expansion.

Speaking at the event, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, reaffirmed the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to developing the creative economy as a key driver of economic transformation, job creation, and the country’s global visibility.

“Rwanda has made a deliberate investment in building its creative economy because we recognise the immense talent and potential of our young people. Our role is to create an environment where creativity can grow into sustainable businesses through access to markets, investment, skills, and international partnerships,” the High Commissioner said.

He described the visit by the fashion delegation as an important milestone for Rwanda’s creative industries and expressed hope that it would be the first of many exchanges between Rwanda and the United Kingdom.

The UK visit forms part of a pilot programme developed and led by the University of Westminster, with support from the Rwanda High Commission in London and the British High Commission in Kigali. The initiative is designed to connect Rwandan fashion entrepreneurs with international institutions, industry leaders, and new markets while laying the foundation for long-term collaboration between the two countries.

As the first exchange under the pilot programme, the visit is expected to become the foundation of a sustainable platform that will help Rwanda’s fashion industry expand its international reach through partnerships, learning opportunities, and commercial growth.

Throughout the evening, panel discussions focused on entrepreneurship, fashion, luxury branding, technology, investment, and the practical steps needed for Rwandan creative businesses to compete globally. Speakers shared insights on building internationally recognised brands while remaining authentic to their cultural identity and heritage.

Participants also acknowledged the contribution of Inzira Creative Partners, whose collaboration with the Rwanda High Commission was instrumental in organising the event. Through its broader programme, the organisation continues to champion market access as a critical component of creative sector development, emphasising the importance of international partnerships and access to finance for sustainable business growth.

The Rwanda Young Professionals Network UK & Ireland was also recognised for its role in strengthening relationships between Rwanda, its diaspora, and international partners. Guided by its three core pillars—Building Connections, Creating Opportunities, and Driving Impact—the network provides a platform for professionals to exchange ideas, establish partnerships, and contribute to Rwanda’s long-term development.

The evening concluded with a networking reception, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with designers, entrepreneurs, investors, and institutional partners. Many expressed optimism that the pilot initiative would evolve into a long-term programme capable of opening new markets, attracting investment, and creating lasting opportunities for Rwanda’s fashion industry.

As Rwanda continues to invest in its creative economy, partnerships involving government institutions, universities, the private sector, and development partners are creating new pathways for Rwandan talent to compete on the global stage. The arrival of the first delegation in London marks the beginning of what many hope will become a lasting bridge between Rwanda’s fashion industry and international markets.

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As every year, Rwandans living in Belgium and their friends will come together to commemorate and celebrate this historic day. The 2026 edition will feature two major highlights: a panel discussion and a cultural evening organized as part of the celebrations marking the 32nd anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation.

The first part of the day will be dedicated to a panel discussion entitled: “Rwanda, Kwibohora32: From Liberation to Emergence, Agaciro as the Foundation of Dignity and Integrity.”

The event will bring together experts and speakers from various fields, including history, politics, economics, trade, psychology, governance, and technology. Participants will reflect on Rwanda’s journey from liberation to its current emergence while highlighting the role of Agaciro, a core value of dignity, integrity, and resilience that characterizes the Rwandan people.

The second part of the day will feature a concert organized in celebration of Kwibohora32, offering Rwandans in Belgium and their friends an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and enjoy a spirit of togetherness. The evening will also serve as a platform to promote Rwandan culture and strengthen ties within the diaspora through traditional and contemporary music.

Among the artists expected to perform are Teta Diane and Cyusa Ibrahim, two renowned figures of Rwanda’s music scene. Young people will also take center stage through performances by the Itetero cultural troupe from Brussels and the Amaliza troupe from Charleroi.

Parents will not be left out. Gathered within the cultural troupe Umurage, which means “Heritage,” they will also present performances showcasing Rwandan traditions and cultural heritage.

The activities will begin at 2:00 p.m. with the panel discussion, while the concert will start at 8:00 p.m. and continue late into the evening.

The entire program will take place at the Proximus Lounge, located at 51 Rue Stroobants, 1140 Brussels.

Participation is set at €35, a contribution intended to support the organization of the event.

In an interview with IGIHE, Kennedy Bizimana, one of the organizers, called on the community to attend: “We invite everyone to come in large numbers to discuss our history and share a moment of fraternity. This day should be celebrated so that younger generations understand its importance. It reminds us that after the tragedies Rwanda endured, Rwandans found solutions and rebuilt their country. 

“Today’s Rwanda is a testament to the progress achieved through good governance and the vision of President Paul Kagame, who led the liberation struggle that ended the Genocide against the Tutsi and paved the way for the country’s development.”

Tickets for the concert are available via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kwibohora-32-teta-diana-ibrahim-cyusa-in-live-concert-tickets-1991965755196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

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Held under the theme “Rooted. Growing. Thriving ”, the event builds on the success of the first edition organized in 2025.

The initiative aims to provide young Rwandans with a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration, while supporting their personal, academic, and professional development and reinforcing their connection to Rwandan values.

Equipping young people to thrive in a changing world

Students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, as well as young people born and raised in Germany, represent a generation navigating a multicultural and constantly evolving environment.

This reality offers numerous opportunities, but also raises important questions related to identity, belonging, civic responsibility, and integration into social, professional, and economic systems that can sometimes be complex.

Rwandan Youth Connect Germany seeks to create constructive spaces where young people can share experiences and develop solutions adapted to their realities.

This second edition will focus on several key themes, including cultural identity in the digital age, personal development, resilience, social responsibility, and the skills needed to succeed in international professional environments.

Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss topics related to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for collaboration between Rwanda and Germany.

The goal is to encourage young people to develop critical thinking skills, make informed decisions, and become positive contributors within their communities.

Strengthening the connection between the diaspora and Rwanda

Beyond the discussions, the initiative seeks to strengthen ties between Rwandan youth in the diaspora and Rwanda itself.

Organizers aim to encourage young people to leverage their international experiences to contribute to the country’s development and foster cooperation among Rwandan communities living abroad.

The summit is supported by the Embassy of Rwanda in Germany, which continues to promote youth engagement and empowerment within the diaspora.

With this second edition, Rwandan Youth Connect Germany reaffirms its ambition to become a sustainable platform serving a new generation of young Rwandans.

Photos from the previous edition

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The remembrance event featured a walk from Leuven railway station to Ladeuzeplein, symbolizing solidarity with victims, followed by speeches, testimonies, reflections, and artistic performances dedicated to honoring the memory of those who were killed and reaffirming a commitment to never forget.

The commemoration was coordinated by Édouard Karangwa and attended by Leuven Alderman for International Affairs Lies Corneillie, alongside representatives of associations and members of the Rwandan youth community in Belgium.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Martin Ikomeze, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB) in Leuven, thanked participants who had traveled from different parts of the country.

According to him, remembrance is a responsibility for every Rwandan and provides a unique opportunity to transmit historical truth.

He stressed the importance of honoring the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi while continuing efforts toward unity and reconciliation.

Speaking about the role of testimonies, he underlined their importance in preserving memory, combating genocide denial, and transmitting history to younger generations so that such a tragedy may never happen again.

One of the most moving moments of the day was the testimony of Mrs. Jeannette Mukandwari, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Now a mother of two children, she shared a story marked by courage and resilience. Through her personal journey, she demonstrated her determination to overcome the hardships of the past and rebuild her life despite the wounds left by the genocide.

Speaking on behalf of Ibuka, Johan Sebukire highlighted the importance of remembrance for younger generations. He noted that although most young people in the diaspora did not experience the 1994 genocide themselves, they nevertheless carry its legacy through the stories of their families and communities.

He stressed the need to combat genocide denial, preserve the memory of the victims, and pass this history on to future generations.

On this occasion, he also called on the City of Leuven to consider, in consultation with the Rwandan community, the installation of a memorial plaque in honor of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

According to him, such a memorial site would serve as a place of reflection, an educational tool for future generations, and a powerful symbol of the city’s commitment against hatred, racism, and all forms of discrimination.

Lies Corneillie, Alderman for International Affairs of the City of Leuven, emphasized the importance of testimonies, the transmission of memory to younger generations, and the duty of remembrance. 

She also expressed the City’s willingness to continue the dialogue on the establishment of a memorial site, with the aim of preserving the memory of the victims and raising awareness among future generations.

The Leuven ceremony also marked the final stage of the national program of the 32nd commemoration of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which had been organized in different cities across Belgium since April 7.

On this occasion, Gakuba Ernest, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium (DRB), recalled that remembrance is not limited to a particular period of the year but constitutes a permanent responsibility toward the victims and future generations.

Thirty-two years after the genocide, he noted, the wounds remain deep, and commemoration continues to be both a tribute to those who perished and a commitment to truth, as well as a safeguard against genocide denial and genocidal ideology.

He also referred to the historical factors that led to the genocide and the abandonment of Rwanda by the international community in 1994.

Paying tribute to the soldiers of the FPR-Inkotanyi who stopped the genocide and saved countless lives, he praised their decisive role in the liberation of the country.

Addressing young people, particularly those in the diaspora, he encouraged them to take ownership of this history, transmit it faithfully, and uphold the values of truth, unity, courage, and humanity.

The day concluded with a musical tribute by artist Nyiranyamibwa Suzanne. Through several deeply emotional songs, she honored the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and offered participants a moment of reflection and hope.

Beyond remembrance, this 32nd commemoration highlighted the importance of preserving historical truth, supporting survivors, and passing memory on to future generations.

Photos showing the second part of the commemoration event

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On this occasion, they were called upon to confront those who deliberately seek to distort the tragic history Rwanda experienced.

Among the participants were many young people who were reminded of the importance of preserving the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. They were encouraged to continue learning about the history that led Rwanda to this tragedy so that it may never happen again and so they can defend the truth against genocide denial and revisionism.

The President of the Rwandan Diaspora in the cities of Mons and Tournai, Arnold Turagara, recalled the dark periods Rwanda went through, emphasizing that the people of this city, as well as Europe in general, have also experienced difficult times marked by wars.

He stated: “Tournai is a city that has gone through difficult periods, including wars throughout its history. However, its residents managed to rebuild themselves after those painful moments.”

He also reminded participants that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was carefully planned and carried out with extreme cruelty, leading to the killing of more than one million people in just one hundred days solely because of who they were.

“Commemorating today is not only about looking back at the past, but also about preserving this memory so that we are not trapped by it and can continue moving forward with life,” he added.

The President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium at the national level, Gakuba Ernest, condemned those who continue to falsify the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi by spreading false information.

He said: “Distorting history is unacceptable because doing so indirectly supports those who planned and executed the Genocide against the Tutsi.”

He reminded attendees that the genocide did not happen by accident, but was the result of long-term preparation marked by hate propaganda spread by leaders of the time and by the dehumanization of Tutsi.

Representing Ibuka Mémoire et Justice Belgique, emphasized thatmore than one million Tutsi killed during the genocide reflects the reality of what happened.

He praised the courage and resilience of genocide survivors, who endured extremely difficult periods of persecution because of their identity.

Gakuba also criticized certain European countries for not doing enough to arrest individuals involved in the Genocide against the Tutsi who were convicted by Rwandan courts yet continue to live freely in Europe.

According to him, some of them actively contribute to spreading genocide ideology and denying the genocide.

He insisted: “This history must be taught in schools so that younger generations can learn about it from an early age.”

The first part of the commemoration took place near the memorial located close to the Saint-Jean Military School on Rue du Caporal Bruno Méaux in Tournai. The ceremony included wreath laying, speeches from various leaders, and tributes to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The memorial also honors Belgian soldiers killed in Rwanda, some of whom were originally from Tournai.

The second part of the day featured testimonies, discussions, and memorial songs aimed at strengthening messages of peace and unity.

Since April 7, 2026, activities marking the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Belgium have taken place successively in Brussels, Liège, Bruges, Namur, Louvain-la-Neuve, Mons, Charleroi, and Tournai.

The next event will take place in the city of Louvain on June 6, which will also mark the conclusion of the symbolic 100 days of commemoration in Belgium.

Commemoration talks

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