RWANDAN COMMUNITY IN SOUTH SUDAN COMMEMORATES THE 32ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI

Members of the Rwandan Community in South Sudan, alongside representatives from the international community, gathered to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event, held on April 7, 2026, served as a solemn occasion to honor the victims and reflect on the enduring lessons of this tragic chapter in history.

In Juba, the commemoration took place at the UN Tomping Compound, bringing together Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), UN officials, representatives of the Government of South Sudan, and various UN agencies.

The gathering provided a platform for collective remembrance and a renewed commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.

In his remarks, Ambassador Joseph Rutabana, Rwanda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, called upon the international community to take greater responsibility in holding perpetrators accountable. He emphasized the importance of justice and strongly condemned genocide denial, urging global actors to ensure that those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are brought to justice wherever they may be.

Ambassador Rutabana also reflected on Rwanda’s journey of recovery and reconciliation. He noted that despite a painful past marked by division and loss, Rwandans have chosen unity and nationhood over ethnic divisions. Measures such as abolishing ethnic identity cards and promoting a shared national identity have played a key role in rebuilding the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of South Sudan, Ambassador Jimmy Gama expressed solidarity with the people of Rwanda during this period of remembrance. He acknowledged the genocide as a powerful lesson for South Sudan, highlighting Rwanda’s remarkable transformation from a period of immense suffering into a united and resilient nation.

Similar commemorative activities were held in Malakal, Upper Nile State, where Rwandan peacekeepers, both military and police, were joined by local authorities and community members.

The ceremony underscored the importance of remembrance and unity, with speakers emphasizing vigilance against hate and the need to uphold shared human values.

The events included symbolic activities such as a walk to remember, a minute of silence, the lighting of the flame of hope, testimonies, and commemorative songs.

The ceremony concluded with a live broadcast of a message from Rwanda’s President, reinforcing the importance of remembrance, resilience, and the collective responsibility to prevent future atrocities.