Rwandans Living in the UK Commemorate the 31st Anniversary of the Genocide Against the Tutsi

Rwandans living in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the Rwandan Embassy, joined together with local leaders and friends of Rwanda to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, reminded that ethnic divisions were the root cause of the genocide and that they have no good outcomes. The event took place on April 7, 2025, which marks the start of the week to remember the 31st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, held in London and attended by officials from various sectors in the UK and Rwandans living there. The High Commissioner of Rwanda to the United Kingdom, Johnston Busingye, in his speech to the participants, stated that the genocide clearly illustrates the negative effects of ethnic division, emphasizing that the genocide was not unexpected but rather meticulously planned for a long time. Therefore, the world must rise above hatred, and there should be no ideology that justifies the destruction of people. He said: "We firmly understand that our society can reject ethnic division; our people are no longer defined by that but by reconciliation, and we all move forward together. As we remember the innocent victims of the genocide against the Tutsi today, we must also make a commitment that such atrocities never happen again. The root causes of the genocide must be exposed and addressed specifically, not just in Rwanda but everywhere. We should advocate for a world where humanity prevails over hatred, and where nothing justifies the destruction of people." The High Commissioner of Rwanda to the United Kingdom Busingye further noted that despite the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the country has rebuilt itself, reflecting the reconciliation of its citizens, and that such atrocities as those in Rwanda in 1994 can be prevented. Jabo Butera, the leader of Rwandans living in the UK, speaking to the media, mentioned that besides London, which is the capital of the UK, other cities in England are also encouraged to observe April 7 as a day of remembrance, and that the Rwandan flag should be raised in these cities. He also stated that Rwandans living in cities such as Manchester, Newcastle, and Portsmouth have joined to remember the genocide against the Tutsi, and that it is not only on April 7 but also during the upcoming 100 days of remembrance, they have various activities planned to unite Rwandans living in the UK as they remember the genocide against the Tutsi. He said, "Today, April 7, marks the first day we start remembering the genocide against the Tutsi for the 31st time, but here in the UK, we have other activities planned during these 100 days. For example, on May 3 of this year, we will gather as many Rwandans living here in the UK, along with friends of Rwanda, to remember the genocide against the Tutsi during an event called the National Rwandan Community Association, which will take place in the city of Portsmouth. Additionally, there are other activities planned in cities like Liverpool and others, many of which have memorial sites dedicated to the genocide against the Tutsi." Jabo Butera concluded by sending a message to Rwandans living in the UK that Rwandan identity should be at the heart of their being, and because history belongs to Rwandans as they experienced it, they are the ones who should teach the world, especially the youth of Rwanda, about the history of their country.

On May 3 of this year, Rwandans living in the UK, along side with friends of Rwanda, they will remember the genocide against the Tutsi during an event called the National Rwandan Community Association, which will take place in the city of Portsmouth

Johnston Busingye The High Commissioner of Rwanda to the United Kingdom During the Commemoration of the 31st Anniversary of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in London