#KWIBUKA 32: INES Ruhengeri Community Commemorates the Victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi

On 8th May 2026, the community of INES Ruhengeri organized a commemoration event to honour the lives of the Tutsi who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event brought together local authorities, partners, staff, and students in a spirit of remembrance and unity.

The commemoration activities began at the Cour d’Appel Memorial Site, where staff members and students laid flowers in memory of the victims from the former Prefecture de Ruhengeri who rest at the memorial site. Participants were also given a brief history of the memorial, reflecting on the tragic events that claimed countless innocent lives during the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Following the remembrance ceremony, participants took part in a Walk to Remember from the memorial site to the INES Ruhengeri campus, where the official commemoration ceremony continued. The event opened with a moment of silence in honour of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of INES Ruhengeri, Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, welcomed the guests and reminded the community that Kwibuka should serve as a source of strength for Rwandans in rebuilding the nation. He particularly encouraged the young generation to learn and understand Rwanda’s history in order to shape a brighter future.

“Many of you were too young during the events of 1994, and others were not yet born. It is your responsibility to learn and understand the true history of Rwanda. To move forward, you must understand where we came from,” the Vice Chancellor remarked.

He also highlighted the contribution of INES Ruhengeri to the country’s rebuilding journey over the past 32 years. Through collaboration with the community and IBUKA, the institution continues to support survivors by providing assistance such as cows and other essential resources that help improve family livelihoods and restore hope.

As part of the ceremony, youth from INES Ruhengeri joined local authorities in a candle-lighting activity symbolizing hope, unity, and resilience among Rwandans.

The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to national unity and sustainable development, noting that:

“INES Ruhengeri remains committed to playing its role in promoting unity among Rwandans and contributing to the sustainable rebuilding of our country through education, research, and community engagement.”

The commemoration served as a reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of the victims, fighting genocide ideology, and strengthening unity and resilience for future generations.

 Event in Pictures