On April 24, 2026, in Jurwe Village, Mukuyu Cell, Ndera Sector,
Gasabo District, the Rwanda Red Cross Society commemorated the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The commemoration honored victims in general, with special remembrance for children who were being cared for at the center, those who sought refuge there, and former staff members.
The President of the Rwanda Red Cross, Wilson Karasira, noted that during the genocide, if more people had shown courage and humanity by protecting those being hunted, many lives could have been saved.
He stated: “There are people who were killed who would not have died if others had stood up for them.
We must therefore appreciate individuals like Kamanzi who showed true humanity.
This teaches us that in difficult times, heroes must emerge. Even in normal life, it is our responsibility to stand for truth and to be useful to others.
We should not be cowards.”
Speaking about the importance of commemoration, Karasira added: “This is a day to remember all Rwandans, especially former Red Cross staff and the children who were under our care.
It is also a day to comfort survivors of the genocide. We thank God for your lives and the Inkotanyi who stopped the genocide, so that history is not erased and we can continue building our country together.”
The Rwanda Red Cross continues to combine remembrance with practical support for vulnerable survivors who still live with the consequences of the genocide.
As part of this event, assistance was provided to selected beneficiaries.
Karasira explained: “We cannot support all those in need, but we identified the most vulnerable.
That is why we selected 35 individuals, each receiving 100,000 Rwandan francs to help with daily living.
While it is not a large amount, it can make a difference. Additionally, 32 other beneficiaries each received 300,000 Rwandan francs to support small income-generating projects.”
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude and renewed hope.
One of them, Gahongayire Chantal, said: “We are happy, even though we lost our families. The Red Cross has become our family.
We are grateful for this support which will help us move forward.”
Another beneficiary, Murekeyisoni Alodia, added: “I am thankful that I now live in a house provided by the Red Cross.
I feel strong and happy because the Red Cross is like a caring parent that never forgets us and always keeps us in its heart.”
The event also served as a moment to reassure survivors that such tragedies will never happen again.
By Carine Kayitesi
