Kwibuka 31: INES-Ruhengeri Joins Musanze Community at Cour d’Appel de Ruhengeri

In commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, INES-Ruhengeri stood in solidarity with the Musanze community by participating in remembrance events, at the former Cour d’Appel de Ruhengeri, a site where over 800 Tutsi were brutally murdered.

On April 14 and 15, 2025, The commemorative evening began with a Walk to Remember, starting at the GOICO Market and ending at the Court d’Appel memorial site. During the vigil, Northern Province Governor Maurice MUGABOWAGAHUNDE delivered a message urging Rwandans to see remembrance not as a burden but as a sacred duty that fosters national unity and resilience:

“Kwibuka is an honorable act. It is a path that leads us to unity and strength. It allows us to reflect, learn from our history, and prepare the youth to confront genocide denial and ideology.”

He further called for the expedited establishment of a memorial archive room at the site to preserve and educate about the history of the former Ruhengeri region.

In his remarks, François Regis RUKUNDAKUVUGA, President of the Musanze Intermediate Court, emphasized the importance of continuous remembrance to protect historical truth and empower young people to resist attempts to distort facts, especially on social media.

On April 15, 2025, the commemoration continued with the laying of flowers in the Mukungwa River, a symbolic gesture to honour Tutsi victims who were thrown there after being lured with false promises of safety.

The event brought together key leaders, including Hon. Juvenal MARIZAMUNDA, Minister of Defence, MP Vénuste ICYITEGETSE, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri Bishop Vincent HORIMANA, and local officials from both government and faith-based institutions.

Minister Marizamunda delivered a message of hope and assurance, stating:

“To the survivors of the Genocide, be strong. Light has dawned in our country, the darkness has ended, and genocide will never happen again.”

He thanked the RPA forces who gave their lives to liberate the country and stop the Genocide. He also appreciated the survivors who continue to rebuild their lives, as well as the dedication of those who have led the journey toward unity among Rwandans. He reminded the audience that remembrance means looking back and learning from the past, fighting against genocide ideology, protecting the safety of survivors and all Rwandans, and encouraging everyone to share information on the whereabouts of the remains of Genocide victims who have not yet been found. 

The Court d’Appel de Ruhengeri Memorial honours over 800 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi who were killed within and around the town of Musanze, formerly Ruhengeri. The site stands as a reminder of the atrocities committed and as a symbol of Rwanda’s ongoing journey toward unity, remembrance, and healing.