On April 9, thousands of young Rwandans gathered at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District to mark the 14th edition of Our Past Initiative, a youth-led commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This year’s event brought together more than 8,600 young people, along with government officials, artists, and educators — all united under a shared purpose: to remember, to learn, and to carry forward the light of truth.
A moment of silence opened the day with a breath of remembrance, in front of a resting place for over 96,000 victims.
What followed was a powerful sequence of performances, testimonies, and reflections that spoke to the heart of Rwanda’s journey from atrocity to dignity.
The atmosphere shifted as young rapper/poet Kenny K-Shot took the stage with The Chosen Land, a poignant piece that honored Rwanda’s past while affirming its enduring hope.
From Gashora Girls Academy, a group of students delivered a poetic performance titled A Choice of Rwanda to Be, reflecting the future they dream of — one built on peace, unity, and shared responsibility.
“The Rwanda we dream of is peaceful and united. But it must be built together, with courage, truth, and purpose,” one of them declared, her voice echoing with clarity and conviction.
The program deepened in emotion as Hodali Marie Rose, a survivor of the Genocide, took the stage to share her harrowing story — a living testament to survival and strength.
She recalled the terror in Kicukiro when MINUAR forces abandoned those who had sought refuge. They were marched to Nyanza-Kicukiro to be executed.
“I wanted them to shoot me quickly, to spare me the suffering,” she said. “They asked who wanted to die first. I raised my hand, with my little sister, and they shot us.”
Though she was wounded, she survived. Later, she discovered the remains of her loved ones and stayed with the bodies for days, unable to let go.
“All I wanted was to be with them a little longer — even if it meant sleeping among the dead,” she recalled, moving many in the audience to tears.
She praised RPF-Inkotanyi for their rescue, recalling how they offered food, shelter, and medical care.
“I’m not 53 years old,” she added. “I am 31 years of resurrection.” It was a message she directed to the Belgiums who abandoned them at ETO-Kicukiro.
A short documentary highlighted Our Past’s community-driven initiatives — from truth-telling sessions to acts of service — and their role in healing communities.
Sharon Bayingana, a key figure behind the initiative, emphasized the deeper meaning behind such efforts.
“Giving back is not just about charity. It’s how we preserve the truth and honor the memory of those we lost,” she said.
Col. Désiré Migambi, representing the Rwanda Defence Force, reminded the audience of the army’s historic and ongoing role in protecting the nation.
“You cannot speak of Rwanda’s history, its security, or its unity without acknowledging the Rwanda Defence Force,” he said.
“But remembering alone is not enough. You, the youth, must become the frontline in the fight against genocide ideology, hate speech, and denial. Protecting the truth is your duty now.”
As the crowd sat in silence, the lights dimmed, setting the stage for Rhymes of Remembrance, a soul-stirring performance by acclaimed poet and actress Malaika Uwamahoro and her team.
Through verse and movement, they took the audience on an emotional journey through identity, atrocity, and healing, showing that remembering is also a form of resistance.
Light was passed among participants — a candle representing remembrance, resilience, and hope. Organizers described it as “more than a candle — a promise never to forget.”
Closing the ceremony, Minister of Youth Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved and offered heartfelt comfort to survivors.
“To all survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and to Rwandans as a whole — I offer my deepest sorrow. There are no words that can fully express the pain that perpetrators left behind,” he said.
“But in our grief, let us also remember that the youth of Rwanda are the foundation of its future. You are the light bearers of this nation.”
He also called for the Our Past initiative to extend beyond Kigali — reaching every district, every community.
Prince Ruzigana / The Kaminuza Star