The staff of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) gathered on Wednesday, 14th May, to pay tribute to the more than one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration took place at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi Sector, during the national 100-day mourning period under the theme: “Remember – Unite – Renew.”

Led by the Commission’s top leadership, RDRC staff departed early in the morning from their headquarters in Remera and proceeded to the memorial site. There, they laid wreaths, lit the Flame of Remembrance, and observed a moment of silence in honour of the victims—over 250,000 of whom are buried at the site.

In her heartfelt address, Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza, Chairperson of the RDRC, paid tribute to the RPF-Inkotanyi, led by President Paul Kagame, for halting the genocide and liberating the nation.

“We thank God for the extraordinary act of bringing us the RPF. We are fortunate to work alongside veterans who risked their lives to restore our humanity. When we hear their stories and see the sacrifices they made, we are reminded of how far we've come,” she said.

Hon. Nyirahabineza urged all RDRC staff to draw powerful lessons from the visit and recommit themselves to building a peaceful Rwanda.

“This memorial is not just a place of mourning—it is a call to action. Each of us must reflect: what is my personal contribution in the fight against genocide ideology? Whether your responsibility lies in caring for disabled veterans or reintegrating former combatants brainwashed in the forests of the DRC, your mandate must be inspired by the bravery and humanity of those who liberated our country.”

The ceremony featured a powerful historical lecture by Mr. Faustin Mafeza, Researcher and Analyst at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, who examined the deep roots of ethnic division in Rwanda. He highlighted the role of successive post-independence governments and Belgian colonial authorities in institutionalising hatred, which ultimately led to genocide.

“The extermination of the Tutsi was not a spontaneous act—it was a calculated plan, taught and spread over generations. Before colonisation, Rwandans coexisted peacefully. Division was manufactured and imposed,” Mafeza told the gathering.

One of the most moving moments of the day came from Mr. Jean Maurice Gasasira, also known as “Sadam,” a survivor of the genocide who lost both parents and became an orphan. He shared his harrowing journey—from surviving the killings in Nyarugenge to rebuilding his life thanks to the sacrifice of RPA forces.

“I have forgiven the man who murdered my parents,” Gasasira said. “Forgiveness is not weakness—it is strength. Many cannot do it, and I do not judge them. But being a soldier taught me to see the bigger picture. I saw the vision of our country’s leadership and chose to contribute to rebuilding Rwanda.”

RDRC staff were also taken on a guided tour of the memorial, where they learned about Rwanda’s history from the monarchy through colonial rule, and up to the events of 1994. They paid their respects to the more than 250,000 victims buried at the site and reflected deeply on the enduring scars of the genocide—and the remarkable resilience of the Rwandan people.

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