Tanzania joins Rwanda in commemorating the 1994 genocide

Dar es Salaam. Nations, institutions, communities, and individuals must educate others and challenge all forms of hate speech, discrimination, and division wherever they arise.

This was the key message delivered yesterday at the Rwandan High Commission in Tanzania during the launch of the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The commemoration, which takes place annually, will be observed on April 7 at Mlimani City Conference Hall in Dar es Salaam and the International Conference Centre (AICC) in Arusha under the coordination of the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat.

Speaking at the launch, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, General Patrick Nyamvumba, emphasised that this period serves as a time for reflection, remembrance and resilience.

“This week marks the beginning of 100 days of activities aimed at honouring the victims and educating the public on the genocide, which lasted for 100 days and claimed the lives of over one million innocent Rwandans,” he said.

During the 100-day commemoration period, various activities will be conducted, including the recovery and dignified burial of victims’ remains, survivor testimonies, discussions on genocide ideology, and dialogues on national unity and reconciliation.

Nyamvumba further highlighted the importance of Kwibuka, a Kinyarwanda word meaning “to remember”, which captures the essence of the annual commemoration.

“It is a time to honour the memory of the victims, support survivors, and engage the global community in the commitment to ensure that genocide never happens again,” he added.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Susan Namondo, underscored the importance of remembrance, stating that this period calls on the global community to reflect on the tragedy.

“Through this annual observance, we not only remember the victims and stand with survivors but also reaffirm our resolve of never again; must the world stand by and face such mass atrocities,” she stated.

She further stressed the need to educate future generations about the genocide, warning that ignorance and lack of awareness could lead to history repeating itself.

“If many of us did not live through that, and if you don't live through such an experience, sometimes it's hard to really understand it, but I think we all have a collective duty to make sure that we educate others and challenge all forms of hate speech, discrimination and division wherever they emerge,” she added.

On January 26, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The 1994 genocide was systematically planned by the then-regime, which fuelled ethnic hatred through state-controlled media and extremist propaganda.

Over one million Rwandans lost their lives in the atrocities.

The 31st commemoration serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred and division while reinforcing the global commitment to peace, unity, and reconciliation.