On April 10, 2025, the Authorities, staff, and friends of the Office of the Ombudsman met to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This solemn occasion aimed to honor the victims, comfort the survivors, and reaffirm the country’s and the United Nations’ commitment to "Never Again."

The commemoration event included testimonies, discussions, and songs reflecting on how the genocide was orchestrated and emphasizing the resilience of survivors. Participants were reminded of Rwanda's journey toward unity and self-reliance, guided by the spirit of Ndi Umunyarwanda.

Marthe Mukakarangwa, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi, shared her harrowing experience of surviving with a newborn in Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District, the very location where the Office of the Ombudsman is now based. She recounted:

 Marthe Mukakarangwa, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi

“During the genocide, I had a one-week-old baby. We hid everywhere. A man named Gisiga struck me with a spear in the back. When I asked why he was doing this, he replied, ‘You know why you aren’t a Tutsi? Aren’t you a snake?’ We were beaten severely. We later hid in an abandoned house until an elder told us that the RPF had arrived and we were safe. Two soldiers came, we didn’t even know they were RPF, but they reassured and liberated us. Today, I thank God. That baby is now a 31-year-old man, healthy and strong. I am grateful to President Kagame for stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi and helping us heal. Today, we are rebuilding our lives.”

Dr. Ismael Buchanan, in a keynote address, highlighted the historical roots of the genocide dating back to colonialism. He urged Rwandans to courageously counter genocide denial and distortion

Dr.Ismael Buchanan, Lecturer at the University of Rwanda

In this digital era, social media is flooded with voices that deny or distort the genocide. “If we don’t speak up and tell the truth, these lies will be taken as facts by future generations.”

He added

The Chief Ombudsman, Hon. Madeleine Nirere, emphasized the unique responsibility of the institution in this context

The Chief Ombudsman, Hon. Madeleine Nirere

“The Office of the Ombudsman was established after the Genocide against the Tutsi, with a mandate to fight injustice and corruption. The genocide was the result of extreme injustice, where people were killed simply for who they were. As such, we bear a special duty to ensure that such injustice never happens again.” She added

Since April 7, 2025, Rwanda and its friends have been observing 100 days of national remembrance for the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This year’s theme is: “Remember – Unite – Renew.”

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