The commemoration event was attended by Twagira Mutabazi Eugène, president of Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, Gakuba Ernest, president of the Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium, and Karugarama Lionel, head of the Rwandan Diaspora in the City of Namur.

Also present were other leaders of various Rwandan organizations and their friends from different Belgian cities, along with Benoît Malisoux, one of the city officials of Namur.

Difference from other cities

The commemoration event in Namur followed other ceremonies held across Belgium. However, in other places, no Belgian officials participated, mainly due to political tensions between Belgium and Rwanda — such as what happened in Liège on April 12, 2024.

At that time, Anne Marie Ikirizaboro, one of the organizers, criticized the behavior of Belgian authorities.

She said the leadership of Liège refused to participate, citing the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has strained diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium.

She questioned whether the phrase "Never Again," often repeated, still held meaning, or whether it was being forgotten, warning that such neglect could have tragic consequences.

Namur took a different path

The commemoration ceremony in Namur began at the Genocide Memorial located at MusAfrica, a center for African historical memory.

Benoît Malisoux, representing the city, sincerely thanked those who organized the event. He emphasized that the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 is a concern for all humanity.

Malisoux explained that in Namur, they reject any attempts to politicize the remembrance of the Genocide against the Tutsi, insisting it should remain a tribute to the victims, free from political manipulation.

"What we are doing here is not merely a reaction to current events, nor a diplomatic statement: it is an act of historical remembrance, of documentation, of condemnation—a demand for respect for the victims," he stated.

"I want to emphasize strongly: the duty of remembrance is unconditional. It is greater than the circumstances of the moment; it requires us to be steadfast and courageous," Malisoux added.

Twagira Mutabazi Eugène, head of Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, said that the Genocide against the Tutsi was rooted in divisions introduced during colonialism.

"We are here to remember our loved ones who were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Over one million people, including infants, children, and the elderly, were murdered.

"This was driven by the division introduced by colonialists and missionaries who introduced ethnic divisionism to make control easier," he stated.

Mutabazi also called for the return of King Yuhi Musinga’s remains, which have been kept for 81 years in a Belgian museum, to his ancestral land.

Tessa Bwandinga appreciated the participation of Namur’s leadership and stressed that remembrance is important to teach younger generations about history so that it is never repeated.

"We are here to show the youth a better path, different from the painful history Rwanda experienced. We also remember the ten Belgian peacekeepers killed in Kigali on April 7, 1994. To remember is to refuse silence and denounce those who try to distort the truth," she stated.

Kevin Rubayiza, who shared a testimony, spoke about the challenges faced by children born to Genocide survivors — growing up without extended family but finding strength from their parents.

Additionally, the event included mental health talks delivered by Umutoni Rwampungu Annick and Rwayitare Jacqueline, discussing life after the Genocide and the psychological journey of survivors.

Belgium had initially attempted to block remembrance ceremonies in Liège and Bruges as Rwanda prepared for the 31st commemoration. However, the events ultimately went forward.

This came after Jean-Damascène Bizimana, Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, warned that Belgium would be violating international obligations if it officially prevented the remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Benoît Malisoux, representing the city, sincerely thanked the organizers of the event and emphasized that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi concerns all of humanity.

Twagira Mutabazi Eugène, head of Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, said that the Genocide against the Tutsi was rooted in divisions introduced during colonialism.

Kevin Rubayiza, who shared a testimony, spoke about the challenges faced by children born to Genocide survivors — growing up without extended family but finding strength from their parents.

Rugumire Philibert facilitated discussions at the event

Tessa Bwandinga appreciated the participation of Namur's leadership and stressed that remembrance is important to teach younger generations about history so that it is never repeated.

The commemoration ceremony in Namur began at the Genocide Memorial located at MusAfrica, a center for African historical memory.

The City of Namur Joined Rwandans in Commemorating the 31st Anniversary of the Genocide Against the Tutsi.

The event included mental health talks delivered by Umutoni Rwampungu (right) Annick and Rwayitare Jacqueline (left).

Karugarama Lionel, the President of Rwandan diaspora in Namur City.

Innocent Mugwaneza performed commemoration songs at the event

Photos: Jessica Rutayisire and Emmy Uwimana

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