Doha, Qatar – The Rwandan community in Qatar, alongside government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Rwanda, gathered today to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event, attended by leaders, heads of institutions, and distinguished guests, including H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at MOFA and H.E. Amb. Ali Ibrahim  Ahmed, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, served as a moment of reflection on the consequences of hatred and division. 

Thirty-one years ago, Rwanda endured one of the darkest chapters in human history. From April to July 1994, a meticulously planned genocide, rooted in decades of ethnic division and hate ideology, claimed the lives of innocent Tutsi..

The 31st commemoration featured moments of reflection including a minute of silence and the lighting of the Flame of Hope, symbolizing both remembrance and the enduring spirit of resilience. "Kwibuka," meaning 'to remember' in Kinyarwanda, is more than a commemoration; it is a commitment to ensuring that the past shapes a more just and peaceful future. This commitment is reflected in the theme of Kwibuka, Remember, Unite, Renew, which guided the gathering. 

Addressing the audience of over 400 attendees, Mr. Igor Marara, the Ambassador of Rwanda to the State of Qatar, highlighted the importance of remembrance, emphasizing: “This period will always be a moment of remembrance, and inevitably one of great sorrow. On this day, we honor lost lives and share our story with the world.”

Ambassador Igor Marara reflected on the persistence of dangerous ideologies: “The same genocidal ideologies that tore our country apart have not entirely disappeared. They continue to echo, loudly, beyond our borders.” He added “As we honor those we lost, we must also reaffirm our commitment to justice and truth; the surest way never to allow such horror to occur again.”

As the world faces complex challenges, Kwibuka 31 served as a moment to reflect on the significance of unity and the global fight against genocide ideologies. Rwanda remains committed to playing its role within the international community in the fight against genocide ideology and prevention efforts, ensuring that remembrance is not just an annual event but a continuous responsibility to safeguard future generations. The event closed with a resolve to transform remembrance into tangible action, ensuring that the promise of "Never Again" endures for generations.