On April 7, 2026, Rwanda, alongside the international community, began the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
MINUBUMWE stated that the Commemoration Week officially begins at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which also hosts the national-level Kwibuka ceremony.
On the evening of April 7, a “Walk to Remember” will start in Gasabo District and conclude at BK Arena, where the Evening of Remembrance will take place.
At the community level, commemorative activities will include talks and guidance on the day’s messages.
MINUBUMWE emphasized that after the Kwibuka activities, all regular work and services may continue as usual.
Essential services, such as pharmacies, hospitals, and health centers, will remain operational to serve the public, and hotels are allowed to continue providing services to their guests.
At the village level, no additional talks are planned during the Commemoration Week, except for those scheduled on April 7.
On April 11, 2026, in Kigali’s Kicukiro District, another Walk to Remember will start at IPRC/Kicukiro and conclude with an Evening of Remembrance at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial.
MINUBUMWE also stated that commercial activities, individual sports, team training, and other income-generating activities are allowed to continue throughout the Commemoration Week.
The ministry further announced that during Commemoration Week, the national flag will be flown at half-mast.
On April 13, 2026, the Commemoration Week will conclude at the Rebero Genocide Memorial at the national level. On that day, political figures who were killed for opposing the genocide will also be remembered.
The ministry clarified that no additional district-level closing activities are planned. It also reminded organizers that Kwibuka ceremonies should not exceed three hours.
Remembrance activities in government institutions, private organizations, businesses, and foreign embassies in Rwanda will be held on designated days between April 8 and July 3, 2026, with talks led by knowledgeable facilitators.
Schools will organize special remembrance days with lectures, visits to memorial sites, and activities aligned with Kwibuka program once students return from holidays.
It was also emphasized that evening vigils held before Kwibuka ceremonies or genocide victim burials should conclude by 10:00 p.m.
After the Commemoration Week, all remembrance symbols will be lowered, but may be reused only for specially organized genocide remembrance events.
During the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandans, particularly the youth, are encouraged to actively participate in remembrance activities and follow commemorative programs broadcast on radio, television, and social media.
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