Leaders Call for Unity During Commemoration
The Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, has strongly criticized some parents who continue to instill ethnic divisions in their children. He called on the youth to reject such ideologies and instead unite in working for Rwanda’s development.
He made these remarks on Sunday, April 12, 2026, during the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, held at the Mukarange Genocide Memorial in Kayonza District.
The event was attended by several leaders, including Minister Habimana, Minister of State in the same ministry Marie Solange Kayisire, and the Governor of the Eastern Province Pudence Rubingisa, among others.
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Remembering the Victims of Mukarange
April 12 marks the day when more than 500 Tutsi who had sought refuge at Mukarange Parish were killed by the Interahamwe militia in collaboration with soldiers from the former Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR). These victims were honored during the commemoration. Additionally, 27 bodies some recently discovered and others relocated from different parts of the district were given a dignified burial.
Minister Habimana noted that the discovery of victims’ remains brings relief to survivors who are still waiting to lay their loved ones to rest. He urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of Genocide victims’ remains to come forward so they can be buried with dignity.
A Shared Responsibility to Preserve Unity
He emphasized that commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi is a responsibility for all Rwandans. It helps strengthen unity, resilience, self-reliance, and the determination to ensure such atrocities never happen again.
The Minister also warned against the continued spread of Genocide ideology, particularly through social media by individuals linked to the perpetrators. “Genocide ideology is still evident in some families, where a few parents with divisive and discriminatory mindsets pass these beliefs on to their children. We urge such parents not to poison their children with the same failed ideology,” he said. “Parents Urged Not to “Poison” Children with Divisive Ideologies”
Message to the Youth
He further advised young people to resist such harmful influences: “Dear youth, the Rwanda we are building belongs to you. You are the leaders of today and tomorrow. You are the majority, and you must carry forward the legacy of building a country free from divisionism and Genocide ideology. Learn from our history, strive for unity, love your country, and dedicate yourselves to it.”
Ibuka Highlights Ongoing Search for Remains
The President of Ibuka in Kayonza District, Didace Ndidabahizi, stated that the Genocide against the Tutsi in the district involved individuals such as Jean Baptiste Gatete, who traveled through the area encouraging other local leaders to participate in the killings of Tutsi in Rukara, Mukarange, and Kabarondo.
He added that over 30,000 bodies have so far been buried in the district, while more than 10,000 remain unaccounted for. He appealed to anyone with information about undiscovered remains to share it, as it would help bring closure to survivors.
Mukarange Memorial and Its Significance
The Mukarange Genocide Memorial currently holds over 9,300 bodies, including around 5,000 Tutsi who were killed at Mukarange Church, as well as others transferred from different locations.
