Kigali: Rwanda on Tuesday began its annual week of commemoration marking 32 years since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group. President Paul Kagame led attendees, including diplomats, victims' families, and survivors, in laying wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the capital, where more than 250,000 victims are buried. He then lit the 'Flame of Remembrance,' which will remain burning for 100 days in honor of the victims. The site was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2023.

According to Anadolu Agency, in his speech, Kagame said remembrance of the genocide, locally known as 'Kwibuka,' carries profound meaning for the nation. 'It is how we confront and overcome the divisions that nearly destroyed us. This day empowers us all. We draw on the strength of survivors, who provide the reservoir of humanity that feeds our nation's soul. To all survivors, know that you are not alone. We stand with you always,' he said.

Kagame emphasized the unity that has been achieved in the nation's rebirth, stating that the progress made was possible because all Rwandans decided to join hands in common purpose. He acknowledged the role played by every Rwandan in the country's recovery following the genocide. About 1 million people, most of them members of the Tutsi community and moderate Hutus, were killed by Hutu extremists during a massacre that unfolded over 100 days.

Kagame also criticized genocide denial, noting that it begins long before such crimes are committed. He warned against the distortion of history, particularly by those outside Rwanda, and highlighted the risks of ignoring hate speech, which can escalate into hate acts. On April 6, 1994, a plane carrying former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down, triggering the massacres carried out by Hutu extremists.