05 Apr 2019 | 06:13 PM UTC
Rwanda: Country to mark 25th anniversary of genocide April 7
Rwanda will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1994 genocide on April 7 with “Kwibuka” ceremonies; heightened security presence and transportation disruptions expected in Kigali
Event
Rwanda will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1994 genocide on Sunday, April 7, with a heightened security presence and disruptions expected in Kigali and across the country during associated events. "Kwibuka" (remembrance) events will be held in each district throughout Rwanda on Sunday. Specific events may vary by location, but each district is expected to host a remembrance walk in the afternoon (local time) and a vigil at night. In Kigali, an official ceremony will begin at the Kigali Genocide Memorial at 11:00, followed by a Walk of Remembrance at 15:00 from the parliament building to Amahoro National Stadium, where participants will take part in a vigil beginning at 18:00.
A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected in the days surrounding the anniversary.
Context
An estimated 1 million Rwandans, primarily Tutsis and other ethnic minorities, were killed in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda commemorates the genocide with a period of national mourning beginning with Kwibuka on April 7.
Advice
Individuals in Rwanda are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence and widespread disruptions to transportation, businesses, and government services, and refrain from discussing sensitive topics in public or on social media.
