Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, praised foreigners who did not abandon the Tutsi during the 1994 Genocide. He highlighted their courage at a time when the international community failed to act.
At the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, held at the Nyanza Memorial in Kicukiro on April 11, 2026, he thanked those who used their limited resources to help and support the victims.
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International Community Failed to Act
Minister Nduhungirehe said powerful countries knew about the killings but chose not to intervene. He stressed that they had enough information but refused to take action. He explained that in 1994, only three representatives among the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council openly acknowledged that genocide was taking place in Rwanda.
Brave Diplomats Recognized
He praised three ambassadors who showed honesty and courage during that time: “Ambassador Colin Keating of New Zealand, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria, and Ambassador Karel Kovanda of the Czech Republic those three are the ones in the Security Council who refused to follow powerful countries that avoided calling it ‘Genocide’. They are heroes, and we congratulate them.”
He also revealed that one powerful country avoided using the word “Genocide” to escape responsibility, including sending troops to stop the killings.
Foreigners Who Took Action on the Ground
Minister Nduhungirehe recognized those who acted despite having limited power.
He mentioned Ghanaian soldiers in the UN peacekeeping mission who saved many lives. He also highlighted Capt. Mbaye Diagne from Senegal, who rescued about 1,000 Tutsis. “While powerful countries refused to help, those with less power did what they could.”
Igihango Guardian Medal Honors Courage
The Government of Rwanda honored these foreigners with the Igihango Guardian Medal. The award recognizes their courage and humanity during one of the darkest moments in history.
