Rwanda President Paul Kagame spoke at the start of Kwibuka 31, telling everyone the 1994 genocide against Tutsi people will never happen again. He made this promise because Rwandans stand ready to defend themselves, not because threats have gone away. He talked to over 2,000 young people who joined the Walk to Remember from Gasabo District buildings to BK Arena. The President said bad people might try again, but Rwandans would fight back instead of becoming victims. He pointed out that fighting gives people a chance to survive rather than accepting certain death.
Kagame directly mentioned the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda militia group based in Congo. These fighters include former Rwandan army members who helped cause the 1994 killings. They continued launching attacks across the border into Rwanda years later. The President criticized efforts to change history by making victims look like wrongdoers to international groups. He said some people want to label those who barely survived as criminals. Kagame stressed that Rwanda has grown stronger because of past suffering and stands prepared for future challenges.
The President lit the Flame of Remembrance at BK Arena to start the night vigil. People heard survivor stories, listened to music performances, and held silent moments for the million-plus lives lost. Rwandans use this yearly event called Kwibuka to mourn but also build unity among citizens. The program focuses on teaching young people about protecting their country from repeating history. Kagame encouraged all Africans to refuse to live under oppression or accept poor treatment from others.
He emphasized that people must stand up for themselves rather than begging for basic rights. The President believes fighting gives people their best chance to live with dignity. Many Rwandans feel determined to prevent another genocide through education and remembrance activities during the 100-day memorial period. Community leaders organize discussions about how hatred led to violence thirty-one years ago. Everyone participates in learning how peace depends on rejecting ethnic divisions that caused previous bloodshed.
Kagame directly mentioned the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda militia group based in Congo. These fighters include former Rwandan army members who helped cause the 1994 killings. They continued launching attacks across the border into Rwanda years later. The President criticized efforts to change history by making victims look like wrongdoers to international groups. He said some people want to label those who barely survived as criminals. Kagame stressed that Rwanda has grown stronger because of past suffering and stands prepared for future challenges.
The President lit the Flame of Remembrance at BK Arena to start the night vigil. People heard survivor stories, listened to music performances, and held silent moments for the million-plus lives lost. Rwandans use this yearly event called Kwibuka to mourn but also build unity among citizens. The program focuses on teaching young people about protecting their country from repeating history. Kagame encouraged all Africans to refuse to live under oppression or accept poor treatment from others.
He emphasized that people must stand up for themselves rather than begging for basic rights. The President believes fighting gives people their best chance to live with dignity. Many Rwandans feel determined to prevent another genocide through education and remembrance activities during the 100-day memorial period. Community leaders organize discussions about how hatred led to violence thirty-one years ago. Everyone participates in learning how peace depends on rejecting ethnic divisions that caused previous bloodshed.
