Rwanda invites the world to join in marking the 20th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi

{On 7 January 2014, Rwanda will officially launch Kwibuka20 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. The event will include the premiere of the Kwibuka20 short film, remarks from Minister of Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Louise Mushikiwabo and survivor testimonies. }

It will be marked by the lighting of the Kwibuka Flame (Flame of Remembrance) which will then travel through Rwanda’s thirty districts. The flame symbolises remembrance as well as the resilience and courage of Rwandans over the last twenty years.

The event will also feature the premiere performance of the “Urumuri Rutazima” song by Liza Kamikazi and Children’s’ Choir. The event will be live streamed on www.kwibuka.rw.

The Urumuri Rutazima (Kwibuka Flame) tour from 7 January to 7 April 2014 is distinct from the official mourning period, Icyunamo, which will begin on 7 April 2014 with the lighting of the National Flame of Mourning.

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Urumuri Rutazima – Kwibuka Flame (Flame of Remembrance)
The Flame Tour: 7 January – 7 April 2014 }}

The launch of Kwibuka20 will be marked by the lighting of Urumuri Rutazima (Kwibuka Flame) that will travel through Rwanda’s thirty districts before reaching Kigali on 7 April 2014, the start of the national mourning period.

Community conversations will take place in each district, offering Rwandans the opportunity to reflect on the events of 1994 as well as the country’s journey since then. Peace education workshops and a countrywide arts competition will also accompany the flame.

The flame symbolises remembrance as well as the resilience and courage of Rwandans over the past twenty years. Carried in a simple lamp, it will be used to light other lamps in communities around Rwanda.

To mark the 20th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, all memorial fires throughout the country will stem from this single Kwibuka Flame.

On returning to Kigali, President Paul Kagame will use the Kwibuka Flame to light the National Flame of Mourning. This will take place on 7 April 2014, marking the official beginning of the national mourning period. The flame will also be the source of the fire used at the candlelit vigil at Amahoro Stadium on the evening of 7 April 2014.