KIGALI – First Lady Jeannette Kagame has commended Ibuka for its 30-year role in preserving memory, supporting survivors, and promoting unity in the aftermath of the 1994 tragedy. Her message comes as Rwanda observes the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
She delivered her remarks on April 8, 2026, during a tribute held after the International Conference on Genocide Prevention at the Intare Conference Arena in Rusororo.
The event brought together over 500 participants, including diplomats, United Nations officials, genocide survivors, researchers, and government leaders, as part of activities under Kwibuka 32.
Ibuka, the umbrella organization for associations of survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, was established in 1995 to unite survivors and provide support in the aftermath of the nation’s darkest period.
The First Lady said its 30-year milestone, coinciding with the 32nd commemoration, underscores the importance of remembrance in national healing. “Ibuka is a word that gives us an important responsibility: the duty to remember, because a society that does not remember is lifeless,” she said.
Three decades of support and memory
The First Lady thanked Ibuka’s founders and partners for their courage and commitment during a difficult time. “Today, as we reflect on the 30 years of Ibuka, we thank those who played a role in founding this organization and the other organizations that partnered with it along the journey. They showed courage by starting something from nothing in a time full of darkness and grief, choosing to build rather than surrender to despair.”
Over the past three decades, Ibuka has played a critical role in helping survivors heal, rebuild their lives, and regain hope.
Its work spans social welfare, justice, and remembrance, including support for Gacaca courts and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, as well as organizing commemorations, publications, and survivor testimonies to educate future generations and prevent genocide.
“Members of Ibuka, this journey has not been straightforward. You accepted to bear anger when necessary and wielded it responsibly. Take comfort: do not fear; the cost of perseverance is priceless and beyond question,” the First Lady said.
Philbert Gakwenzire, President of Ibuka, traced the organization’s roots to government policies after the genocide that enabled survivors to unite.
He recalled the message many first heard from the RPF-Inkotanyi forces that halted the genocide: “Humura ntugipfuye” meaning that “Don’t worry, you are safe now,” which provided reassurance and hope to survivors.
The duty to remember and protect the future
The First Lady also emphasized the need to protect the progress achieved over the years and to remain vigilant against denial and distortion of history. She urged Rwandans, especially the youth, to commit to building an inclusive society.
“Failing to protect them would be a grave mistake. We still witness individuals who try to distort or deny history. The struggle belongs to all generations,” she said.
Gakwenzire highlighted Ibuka’s founding mission, formalized at its inaugural General Assembly in December 1995, which focused on promoting survivors’ welfare, preserving the genocide’s history, and pursuing justice for victims.
He stressed that ongoing collaboration with the government is essential to combat genocide ideology and ensure accurate documentation and sharing of history.
“Everyone should continue to cooperate with the government to fight genocide and its ideology, study our history, continue recording it, preserving it, and sharing it as it truly happened,” he said.
As Rwanda reflects on more than three decades since the genocide, Ibuka’s work remains central to preserving the memory of the victims and guiding future generations.
Through its advocacy, support for survivors, and commitment to education, the organization continues to reinforce the lessons of 1994, ensuring vigilance, unity, and shared responsibility in the ongoing fight against genocide and its ideology.
