City of Kigali Commemorates Former Employees Killed During the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi

The commemoration began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Genocide against the Tutsi memorial monument located at Kigali City Hall, where participants honoured the victims and reflected on their lives, service, and legacy. The activities later continued at the Jardin de Mémoire in Nyanza-Kicukiro, a site that preserves the memory of thousands of victims abandoned and massacred during the genocide.

Speaking at the event, Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascène Bizimana, offered words of comfort to survivors from the former PVK. He emphasized that life ultimately triumphed over genocide, a reality reflected in the testimonies and memorials preserved at the Nyanza-Kicukiro Genocide Memorial and the Jardin de Mémoire.

Dr. Bizimana revisited the history of Nyarugenge, Kacyiru, and Kicukiro—the areas that constituted the City of Kigali during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He explained that although the legal framework for PVK existed since Rwanda’s independence, the prefecture was formally established in 1990 following the launch of the liberation struggle.

According to the Minister, the creation of PVK became a tool for implementing discriminatory policies and atrocities targeting Tutsi. He noted that local authorities were instructed to identify, arrest, detain, persecute, and kill Tutsi, who were falsely accused of collaborating with the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF).

Dr. Bizimana also referred to testimony from former Nyarugenge Mayor Jean Bizimana, who admitted participating in planning meetings, distributing weapons, mobilizing perpetrators, and leading attacks against Tutsi, particularly at St. Paul and Sainte Famille. The Minister said such testimonies provide clear evidence that the genocide was carefully organized and executed with the active involvement of government authorities.

“The history of the Genocide against the Tutsi is well documented, and Rwanda cannot accept any attempt to distort or deny it. Doing so would be an insult to survivors,” he said.

He stressed that the genocide was not the result of spontaneous violence but a meticulously planned project. He urged Rwandans to continue preserving the truth about the genocide while working together to build a stronger and more united nation. According to him, this remains the most meaningful tribute to those who stopped the genocide and a vital legacy for future generations.

The Vice President of Ibuka at the national level, Christine Muhongayire, reflected on the persecution and suffering endured by Tutsi during the genocide. She recalled how many victims trusted their neighbours and sought protection from them, only to be betrayed and killed.

Muhongayire also highlighted the tragic role of churches and places of worship, where thousands sought refuge hoping to find safety but were ultimately murdered. She further pointed to the history preserved at the Nyanza-Kicukiro Genocide Memorial, which documents how United Nations peacekeepers withdrew and abandoned thousands of Tutsi who had sought their protection, leaving them vulnerable to massacre.

She noted that these events are also recounted in the book Shake Hands with the Devil, written by Roméo Dallaire, the commander of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Rwanda during the genocide.

Muhongayire expressed gratitude to the Inkotanyi for stopping the genocide and saving countless lives. She praised their sacrifice, courage, and determination, which laid the foundation for the Rwanda of today.

Addressing the gathering, Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva extended condolences to the families of former PVK leaders and employees who were killed during the genocide.

The Mayor noted that this year’s commemoration honoured 50 former employees and served several important purposes: preserving their memory, recognizing their service, and continuing the work they began; reminding their families that today's public service builds upon the dedication of those who came before but were unable to continue because of the genocide; and assuring families that the City of Kigali stands with them and remains committed to supporting them.

“When we gather to remember former employees who once served in the institutions where we work today, we reflect on the painful chapters of Rwanda’s history, from the colonial period to the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, so that such tragedies never happen again,” Mayor Dusengiyumva said. “We also honour the courage and sacrifice of the Inkotanyi, whose efforts helped bring the genocide to an end.”

The commemoration concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving the memory of the victims, supporting survivors, and strengthening national unity under this year’s remembrance message: “Remember – Unite – Renew.”