In solemn remembrance of one of the darkest chapters in modern history, ceremonies were held in both Accra and Abidjan on Monday April 7, 2025 to mark the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The events brought together hundreds of participants—including diplomats, government officials, civil society leaders, youth, and the Rwandan diaspora—united in grief, reflection, and a shared call to action against hatred and genocide ideology.

In Accra, over 500 people gathered to observe Kwibuka31, meaning “to remember” in Kinyarwanda. The event, hosted by the Rwandan High Commission in Ghana in collaboration with the Rwandan Community in Ghana, was attended by officials from the Government of Ghana, members of the diplomatic corps, academia, business leaders, and a strong presence of young people.

In her address, Her Excellency Rosemary Mbabazi, High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana, reminded the audience of the deliberate planning behind the genocide and the international community’s failure to prevent it.

 “Genocide is never a surprise. It is planned, it is tested and perfected over time until perpetrators are assured that they can wipe out a people in impunity,” she stated.

High Commissioner Mbabazi called for collective global efforts to uproot genocide ideology, punish hate speech that dehumanizes and discriminates, and bring to justice fugitives still shielded by certain nations.

Representing the United Nations in Ghana, Mr. Niloy Banerjee, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), read the message of the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing the need for unity, remembrance, and a strong defense of historical truth.

One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony came with the presence of Rtd. Maj. Gen. Henry Kwami Anyidoho and members of the Ghanaian contingent of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). Ghana's contingent was among the few that chose to stay and protect civilians after a UN order to evacuate during the genocide.

Meanwhile, in Abidjan, more than 250 people, including local leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Rwanda, gathered with the Rwandan community in Côte d'Ivoire to honor the over one million lives lost and reflect on Rwanda’s remarkable journey of resilience.

Ms. Stéphane Richmond, Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Côte d’Ivoire, paid tribute to the victims and acknowledged Rwanda’s progress in rebuilding a united and inclusive nation.

“We remember those we lost and salute the strength of a people who chose reconciliation and dignity over revenge,” she said.

Ms. Hélène N’Garnim-Ganga, representing the United Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, called for a relentless fight against hate speech and extremist rhetoric that continues to feed genocide ideology.

 “Genocide begins with words—words that divide, that dehumanize. We must not tolerate them,” she warned.

Both ceremonies ended with candlelight vigils and moments of silence, as participants renewed their commitment to preserving the memory of the victims, defending the truth, and preventing future atrocities.