On 7^thApril 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the People’s Republic of China was joined by friends of Rwanda for the 31^st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka 31).

The event was attended by officials from the Chinese government, Ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, friends of Rwanda, and members of the Rwandan community living in China.

Held under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,” this annual commemoration honors the memory of more than one million victims who were brutally murdered during the 100 days of one of the most horrific genocides in modern history.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador James Kimonyo emphasized that "Never Again" must be more than a plea — it must be a firm commitment. He called on the global community to draw lessons from the tragic events that unfolded in Rwanda in April 1994.

The Ambassador noted that the genocide was perpetrated in broad daylight while the world watched in silence. “It is deeply concerning that even three decades later, brutal killings and the spread of hate speech continue to persist in our region propelled by the same people who committed genocide in Rwanda and their cronies,” he remarked.

Representing the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. He Degang delivered a message of solidarity to the people of Rwanda, especially the survivors, during this period of remembrance. He commended Rwanda’s determined efforts in its post-genocide reconciliation journey and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s ongoing transformation.

Dr. Changhee Lee, representative of the UN Resident Coordinator in China, paid tribute to the victims and underscored that what happened in Rwanda was not accidental. “This annual commemoration reminds us that the genocide in Rwanda was not a tragic accident of history; it was intentional, meticulously planned, and brutally executed,” he said, adding that “remembering alone is not enough — we must also unite and take action based on the lessons of history.

His Excellency Mpana Martin, Ambassador of Cameroon and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in China, also addressed the gathering, recalling the darkest moments endured by Rwandans and describing the genocide as a “collective tragedy for humankind.” “The 1994 genocide was a hell that the world seeks to exorcise today — ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated anywhere,” he declared.

The audience followed the testimony of Ms. Dimitrie Sissi, a genocide survivor, who shared her harrowing experience of losing family members and enduring horrific violence. She is the author of Do Not Accept to Die, a memoir detailing her survival during the genocide and her journey toward healing and embracing life afterward.

The audience also watched a video testimony by Ms. Consolee Nishimwe, another genocide survivor, who spoke about her path to resilience and hope after losing family members during the genocide. Ms. Nishimwe is the author of Tested to the Limit: A Genocide Survivor’s Story of Pain, Resilience, and Hope.

The ceremony also featured a documentary screening, a candle-lighting ceremony, and a powerful poetry performance titled “Rise, Rwanda, Rise” by Rwandan children living in China. The poem reflected on the country’s painful past while paying tribute to its resilience and determination to rebuild.

Over the next 100 days, the Embassy, together with the Rwandan community in China, will continue to organize commemoration events in various provinces and cities across the country.

View all photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rwandainchina/albums/72177720324971371 

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