The Mayor of the City of Kigali, Dusengiyumva Samuel, has urged citizens to remain vigilant and actively combat genocide ideology, which he warned continues to spread rapidly—especially through digital platforms.
He delivered these remarks during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, held on 22 April 2025 at Sainte Famille in Nyarugenge District, Muhima Sector.
The event honored the memory of the Tutsi victims who were killed in Rugenge, Muhima, Sainte Famille, Cela, Saint Paul, and Calcutta.
The ceremony began with the laying of wreaths at the resting places of these victims.
In his keynote speech, Mayor Dusengiyumva emphasized the importance of leveraging technology in the fight against genocide ideology.
“I urge all of us gathered here to strengthen our efforts in preventing and decisively fighting genocide ideology, which continues to spread not only on social media but also in our neighborhoods and right here in the city of Kigali,” he said.
Highlighting how easily such ideologies can be disseminated through modern technology, he remarked:
“Genocide ideology doesn’t need a visa; it doesn’t even require a vehicle. It is now being spread through the technology we all have at our fingertips.”
Despite the threat, the mayor remained optimistic, encouraging citizens to use digital platforms to counteract harmful narratives.
“We also know that those platforms can be used to prevent and fight against it. In doing so, we can share constructive messages that help heal the hearts shattered by the Genocide against the Tutsi and give hope to the youth that a better future is possible,” he added.
In closing, Mayor Dusengiyumva expressed concern that information about mass graves remains concealed, hindering efforts to ensure victims receive dignified burials.
“Recently, in the Kiyovu neighborhood of Nyarugenge Sector, we discovered the remains of 14 genocide victims. The fact that we are still uncovering such sites shows that much information remains undisclosed. We strongly urge those who have this information to come forward so we can ensure the dignified burial of our relatives and parents,” he stated.
By Elisa Uwineza/The Kaminuza Star