RWANDA’S Ambassador to Tanzania General Patrick Nyamvumba has announced that this year’s 31st commemoration of the Rwandan genocide will take place in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

The event aims to support survivors and reinforce efforts to prevent such tragedies worldwide. The genocide, rooted in ethnic discrimination, which took place in April 1994, resulted in the deaths of nearly one million people.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Nyamvumba stated that in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Tanzania and the East African Community Secretariat, the commemoration will amplify the message of global condemnation against such brutality.

“The sombre period from April 7 to 13 will focus on reflection, remembrance and strengthening national unity. This aligns with the 100 days of activities, corresponding to the duration of the genocide,” he said.

During the period, attention will also be given to the victims, survivors, and ensuring the international community reflects on how to prevent future atrocities.

The envoy also called on media to counter misinformation that distorts the genocide's history and promotes hatred. He alleged that some genocide perpetrators remain free in regions such as Europe, the UK and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Rwanda has ended the culture of impunity, removed ethnic identities and built a collective national identity. The divisions sown by colonizers have been eradicated,” he said.

He added that Rwanda’s journey of reconciliation and nation-building demonstrates its commitment to creating a dignified and prosperous society for future generations.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Suzan Namondo, described the genocide as a catastrophic humanitarian disaster and urged global dedication to peace, tolerance and justice.

She acknowledged the UN’s failure to act during the genocide, which has since led to an international agenda aimed at preventing future atrocities and promoting global peace.

“This commemoration honours the victims, supports survivors and reaffirms our commitment to preventing such evil,” she said. “We must also educate future generations to oppose hate speech, discrimination and division.”

The theme for this year’s commemoration is Remember, Unite and Rebuild.