Kigali, May 2, 2025 — Senators, Deputies and the staff of the Parliament gathered at the Kigali Genocide Memorial to mark the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The event also honoured former staff of the Conseil National de Développement (CND) who were killed during the Genocide Against the Tutsi.

The Senate President Dr. François Xavier Kalinda emphasised the significance of remembrance, especially for them as lawmakers. “This commemoration is a special moment to reflect on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and to consider the role we must play, as politicians, to ensure such atrocities never happen again.”

Dr. Kalinda also pointed to the responsibility of the Belgian colonial regime, as well as leaders from Rwanda’s first and second Republics, in establishing and spreading the ideology of genocide.

“We must expose this history so that Rwandan youth and the world understand that the Genocide against the Tutsi was planned. This awareness is crucial in preventing the genocide in future.” He added.

Senator Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu, President of the Anti-Genocide Parliamentary Forum (AGPF) highlighted key findings from field visits showing public appreciation for national unity and resilience — but also signs that genocide ideology still exists in some communities.

During the presentation made by Dr Diogène Bideri, he focused on how former politicians were deeply involved in preparing and executing the genocide, while the current ones played critical roles in halting it and dealing with its aftermath. His presentation analysed discriminatory laws and governance models from past Republics that institutionalised ethnic division — policies introduced during Belgian colonisation rule and perpetuated afterwards. He warned that some still seek to maintain these ideologies, but Rwandans will not allow them to succeed.