Rwanda and U.S. mark genocide against the Tutsi commemoration, call for Unity and Justice

Today, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, together with Eric Mahoro, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), held a solemn commemoration to honor 26 embassy staff who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event brought together embassy leadership, staff, and families of the victims in a moment of remembrance and solidarity with survivors. Speaking at the ceremony, Eric Mahoro thanked the U.S. Embassy for its continued commitment to organizing annual commemoration events, which he said play a key role in preserving memory and supp

Today, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, together with Eric Mahoro, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), held a solemn commemoration to honor 26 embassy staff who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event brought together embassy leadership, staff, and families of the victims in a moment of remembrance and solidarity with survivors. Speaking at the ceremony, Eric Mahoro thanked the U.S. Embassy for its continued commitment to organizing annual commemoration events, which he said play a key role in preserving memory and supporting survivors. He also commended the United States government for consistently using the correct terminology, “the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” stressing that accurate naming is essential to understanding the crime, exposing its roots, and preventing denial. He emphasized that genocide is an identity-based crime and must be called by its rightful name as a call for justice and action. Mahoro further appreciated U.S. cooperation in bringing genocide perpetrators to justice, noting the importance of international partnership in fighting impunity. He warned that threats still exist in the region, including hate speech, genocide ideology, and the continued presence of the FDLR in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, calling for stronger collective efforts to address them. He concluded by highlighting Rwanda’s continued progress in unity, reconciliation, and resilience, noting that remembrance remains a foundation for building a peaceful future.

U.S. Embassy Kigali and MINUBUMWE officials, led by Eric Mahoro, during a solemn commemoration ceremony honoring victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and reaffirming commitment to unity, remembrance, and justice.

U.S. Embassy Kigali and MINUBUMWE officials during the commemoration ceremony.

Eric Mahoro paying tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.