OAG, RRA mark the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi
The Office of the Auditor General of State Finances (OAG) and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) staff marked the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Auditor General, Alexis Kamuhire, on behalf of the institutions that organized the commemoration event, in his remarks, he said that “Commemoration is a time to reflect on the tragic history that led Rwanda to the Genocide against the Tutsi, to reaffirm unity and reconciliation, to comfort genocide survivors, and to reflect on everyone’s role in fighting genocide ideology.”
He thanked His Excellency the President of the Republic and the former RPF-Inkotanyi forces (RPA) that intervened to stop the genocide, as well as for the significant role they continue to play in supporting the recovery of survivors and the country’s overall reconstruction journey.
He called on everyone to reject divisionism, hate speech, and anything else that could divide Rwandans, and instead focus on strengthening unity, ensuring that genocide never happens again, and continuing to work hard in order to contribute to national development.
The guest Speaker at the event, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga delivered a lecture titled “Genocide Ideology in the Region and Everyone’s Role in Combating It.”
He said that commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi helps people better understand its history, recognize its severity, and learn how to fight against it.
He explained how genocide is planned and highlighted how genocide ideology is currently being spread within the region where Rwanda is located, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He stated that “They are at the gates; they are everywhere around the world snapping their fingers,” while reminding attendees that genocide ideology can never prevail because evil intentions cannot overcome the unity of Rwandans.
Gen. Rwivanga also spoke about the determination demonstrated by the former RPA forces in stopping the genocide.
He urged everyone to use social media responsibly and truthfully, to document history as it happened, and to avoid anything that could undermine the unity of Rwandans. He emphasized that the Government is fully committed to doing everything possible to protect its citizens.
He urged everyone to use social media responsibly and truthfully, to document history as it happened, and to avoid anything that could undermine the unity of Rwandans. He emphasized that the Government is fully committed to doing everything possible to protect its citizens.
Gen Rwivanga said that some people continue to deny or promote double genocide ideology, and that social media has become a new battleground for information operations.
“What is our role in fighting genocide ideology? What should we do today? As fighters, we shall continue our defensive measures because we need to protect our people from attacks, whether from within or from without,” he said.
“Use social media for the benefit of truth. You have a role to play. Don't let other people change your story, because there are lives involved." He added
He said genocide denial spreads quickly through these platforms, but the truth can also spread widely.
RRA Commissioner General, Ronald Niwenshuti, expressed condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing that survivors paid a heavy price through resilience, rebuilding, and forgiveness, which has enabled the country to reach where it is today.
“Commemoration is a time to support those who lost their loved ones; it is about restoring the dignity of all those we lost because of who they were. It is also a moment for us, especially the educated, to commit to rejecting any form of division that could take us back to that past,” he remarked
He said that remembrance should continue, with each individual reflecting on how they relate to others and within families, in order to “build the Rwanda we want.”
Delphine Uwimana, in her testimony, described how her parents were persecuted before the genocide, which, she noted, contradicts those who claim that the Genocide against the Tutsi was not planned.
She said that on a day like this, her family commemorates because it is the day her younger sibling was named, while her older sibling had been killed earlier along other family and community members.
“Then the Inkotanyi came and rescued us, and we were able to live again,” she continued.
She thanked the RPF Inkotanyi for their sacrifice in rescuing those who were being hunted. “What you did felt like a dream to all of us.”
The Office of the Auditor General of State Finances (OAG) and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) jointly organize Kwibuka event each year, to honor victims of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.