KIGALI: On Monday, President Paul Kagame joined over 2,000 Rwandan youth in the annual Walk to Remember, a solemn march from the Gasabo District Headquarters to BK Arena, marking the beginning of the 100-day commemoration period, Kwibuka31.
The event honors the memory of the over one million innocent lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Following the walk, President Kagame participated in the candle lighting ceremony that opened the Night Vigil a moving tribute featuring testimonies and musical performances dedicated to victims and survivors of the genocide.
Earlier in the day, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they laid a wreath and lit the Flame of Remembrance, which will burn for 100 days in memory of those lost. This act of remembrance was mirrored by Rwandans around the world, unified in reflection and resilience.
During the National Remembrance Ceremony, President Kagame delivered deeply emotional and resolute remarks.
“The truth is no longer respected,” he began, recounting a question posed to him by a friend: “How do you live, carrying both the dark past and the cruel present?”
“He wasn’t just asking me. He was asking about Rwanda. And I told him our past and present are siblings. We’ve never separated them. We confront the cruel present fully aware of its roots in the dark past. So we have a choice: Either we are crushed by both or we rise and fight.”
President Kagame emphasized that Rwandans must own their lives and their dignity, standing tall in the face of adversity.
“Don’t offend anyone, but never let anyone dictate how you should live. The moment you accept that, you’ve already lost your life,” he said.
He shared that he has been warned against speaking out boldly, even being told it could cost him his life.
“Then so be it,” he responded. “If living means pretending and being silent, then I’m already dead. So why not die fighting? Rwandans, why not fight instead of dying for nothing? Why not live with purpose and dignity?” He said.
President Kagame passionately called for the spirit of resilience to guide not only Rwandans, but all Africans facing oppression.
“I can’t beg to live. I can’t beg anyone for dignity. If we must fight, we fight. If we lose, we lose but we fight knowing there’s a chance to win and live a dignified life. That is better than living on our knees.” He elaborated.
Addressing narratives that seek to reverse roles of victim and perpetrator, he condemned the ongoing attempts to distort Rwanda’s history and efforts.
“There is a force that tries to turn victims into perpetrators. The world wants to rewrite our story to blame the very people who survived unimaginable horror. But we know who we are. We know our truth.” He noted.
Touching on ongoing allegations surrounding Rwanda’s involvement in eastern Congo, President Kagame challenged the hypocrisy and double standards in global discourse:
“Was it about minerals in 1994? Which minerals were we fighting over then? If Rwanda was truly exploiting Congo’s resources, as claimed, we would be as rich as those making the accusations. The same people give us nothing and then blame us for everything.” He remarked.
He concluded by urging Rwandans to maintain courage, pride, and unity in the face of persistent challenges:
“We must live our lives with dignity, on our terms. Let no one turn our tragedy into a weapon against us. This is the spirit that must carry us forward not just for 100 days, but always.” He said.
