Rwanda Embassy in Cairo Marks 32nd Genocide Commemoration

The Embassy of Rwanda in Cairo marked the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi with a solemn commemoration ceremony on April 7, bringing together members of the Rwandan community, Egyptian officials, diplomats, and representatives of civil, religious and business sectors.

Observed globally as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the anniversary commemorates the killing of more than one million people in just 100 days between April and July 1994. This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew,” highlighting a collective commitment to remembrance, reconciliation and renewal.

Egypt was represented at the event by Ambassador Karim Sherif, who attended on behalf of Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. In his remarks, Sherif expressed Egypt’s solidarity with Rwanda and paid tribute to the victims, describing the genocide as a lasting scar on humanity and a stark reminder of the dangers posed by hate speech and division.

He stressed that the international community must not repeat past failures, warning against inaction in the face of emerging conflicts, and commended the resilience of survivors and Rwanda’s progress in rebuilding its institutions and society.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Egypt, Dan Munyuza, delivered the keynote address, underscoring that the genocide was not a sudden outbreak of violence but the result of years of systematic hatred, discrimination and dehumanisation. He warned that genocide begins with words and narratives that demonise communities, urging vigilance against hate speech and extremist ideologies.

Munyuza also highlighted ongoing challenges, including the spread of genocide denial and misinformation, particularly through digital platforms and emerging technologies. He called for continued international cooperation to confront these threats and ensure accountability.

The ambassador praised Egypt’s longstanding cooperation with Rwanda across sectors including security, education, trade and health, reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations.