As King Abdullah II walked through the memorial on Monday, accompanied by Rwandan officials including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta, the gravity of the moment weighed heavily on the dignitaries.

After laying wreaths at the memorial’s mass grave, the King took a moment to reflect on the individual stories behind the staggering number of lives lost, acknowledging the profound impact on families: "This powerful memorial reminds us that behind every individual killed was a world unto itself, a family that lost a loved one, a mother, a father, a child, a dream extinguished, a potential taken too soon."

The King’s visit was not just a ceremonial gesture but a symbolic expression of solidarity and shared commitment to prevent such heinous acts from occurring again.

In his address at the memorial, King Abdullah II conveyed a message that resonated with the lessons drawn from Rwanda’s tragic past: "The brutality that these walls bear witness to is a constant reminder of the terrifying consequences of dehumanizing the other, of how fear-mongering and disinformation amid international complacency can lead to the ugliest and deadliest extremes."

Rwanda’s journey from the depths of genocide to a nation committed to reconciliation and healing became the focal point of the King’s speech. He emphasized the need to confront and counter dehumanizing rhetoric that fuels conflicts globally: "Rwanda’s experience teaches that we must fight the dehumanizing rhetoric that fuels conflict. Your story. It can be a beacon for us all."

The King’s poignant words extended beyond the borders of Rwanda, drawing attention to ongoing conflicts, particularly in Gaza. King Abdullah II expressed concern over the devastating toll on the civilian population: "Almost 30,000 Gazans have been killed or unaccounted for over the past three months. The overwhelming majority, nearly 70%, are women and children." He questioned the viability of indiscriminate aggression and shelling, urging for a just peace based on the two-state solution.

The parallels drawn between Rwanda’s history and contemporary conflicts underscored a crucial message: "This memorial teaches us that we cannot write off any conflict as hopelessly irreparable. It shows us how respect, justice, and compassion can lead to a better future."

Besides, Jordan King emphasized the importance of memory, urging the world to acknowledge the brutality before working towards peace and cautioning against complacency that can be tantamount to collusion.

As King Abdullah II concluded his visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, his words echoed as a call to action, emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve humanity and prevent the recurrence of such tragic events.

The event stood as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the imperative to learn from history to build a more compassionate and just world.

King Abdullah II arrived in Rwanda for a three-day working visit on Sunday 7th December 2023. On the first day of his visit, he was welcomed by President Paul Kagame where after both leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements in several fields including agriculture, economy, trade, health, and medical science.

After laying wreaths at the memorial’s mass grave, the Jordan King took a moment to reflect on the individual stories behind the staggering number of lives lost, acknowledging the profound impact on families.