On Tuesday, April 7, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from across the West Africa sub-region gathered in multiple locations to mark the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The activities, held in solemn remembrance, signaled the beginning of the 100 days of commemoration which is a period dedicated to honouring the over one million lives lost and reflecting on the enduring responsibility to preserve memory and prevent genocide.

In Liberia, at Cuttington University located approximately 160 kilometers from Monrovia, over 150 participants convened for a commemorative event that was preceded by a Walk to Remember. The ceremony honored victims and expressed solidarity with survivors, with speakers emphasizing the importance of memory as a bridge to a peaceful and desired future.

In Côte d’Ivoire, more than 200 participants gathered to reflect on Rwanda’s tragic past and draw lessons for humanity. A moving testimony was delivered by genocide survivor Father Kalisa Gerald, who underscored that Rwanda’s journey of healing and reconciliation has been made possible by leadership committed to the well-being of its people.

Similarly, in Benin, over 100 participants assembled in Cotonou to pay tribute to the victims and renew their commitment to preserving their memory while striving for a peaceful future. Speakers highlighted the urgent need for sustained efforts to combat genocide denial, hate speech, and extremism.

In Ghana, an evening of remembrance exclusively for Rwandans was held at the Chancery of the Rwanda High Commission in Accra. The gathering provided a reflective space to honor the victims, share Rwanda’s journey of resilience, and reaffirm the responsibility of present and future generations to uphold unity and safeguard the nation’s history.

Rwandans in Sierra Leone and Togo also came together in solemn ceremonies, standing in unity as they marked the beginning of the 100-day commemoration period.

In her message marking the occasion, High Commissioner Rosemary Mbabazi, who is resident in Ghana and accredited to Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to fighting genocide ideology and defending human dignity.

The commemorative events across the region collectively reinforced the importance of remembrance, unity, and vigilance in ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.