Paul Kagame has said that Rwanda’s history of the Genocide against the Tutsi cannot be altered, stressing that such a tragedy must never be allowed to happen again.
He delivered the message on April 7, 2026, during the official launch of the 32nd commemoration week and the 100 days of remembrance, marking one of the darkest chapters in Rwanda’s history.
The event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and friends of Rwanda.
President Kagame, alongside First Lady Jeannette Kagame, laid wreaths at the graves where more than 250,000 victims are laid to rest at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. He also lit the Flame of Hope, a symbol of resilience and remembrance that will burn for the next 100 days.
He expressed gratitude to individuals and countries that continue to stand with Rwanda during the commemoration period each year, offering support to survivors and honoring the memory of those lost.
In his address, President Kagame referenced testimony from a genocide survivor, describing the suffering endured during the 1994 atrocities. He emphasized that such accounts should serve as a powerful reminder—especially to those who attempt to deny or distort the truth about the genocide.
He noted that efforts to revise or deny Rwanda’s history, often driven by individuals outside the country, face a difficult reality because the facts remain undeniable.
“Those who try to deny or rewrite this history have a difficult task. Changing such a reality is not possible,” he said.
President Kagame firmly stated that Rwanda has learned from its painful past and will not allow history to repeat itself.
“You cannot kill someone twice. If you try, they will stop you before you succeed,” he said, underscoring the country’s determination to protect its people.
He added that both current and future generations must remain vigilant, united, and committed to safeguarding the nation’s future.
The Flame of Hope lit during the ceremony will remain burning for three months, representing the 100 days during which the genocide was carried out in 1994.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial, where the ceremony took place, is the largest in the country, serving as the final resting place for victims collected from across Kigali and surrounding areas.
As Rwanda begins another period of remembrance, the message remains clear: honoring the past is essential to protecting the future.