Stockholm, April 12, 2025 – The Rwandan community in Sweden, in collaboration with IBUKA Sweden and the Embassy of Rwanda to the Nordics, held a powerful and emotional ceremony to mark Kwibuka 31, the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The event, held at Postmuseet in Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan, brought together survivors, Rwandans, friends of Rwanda, diplomats, and members of the local Swedish community in a united act of remembrance and solidarity.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from Ms. Josine Kanamugire, President of IBUKA Sweden. She set a somber but determined tone, urging the community to remain vigilant against the seeds of hatred and division that led to the genocide. She emphasized the power of resilience—a trait deeply rooted in the lives of survivors and the strength of the Rwandan people.
In her keynote address, Her Excellency Ambassador Diane Gashumba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Nordics, thanked participants and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for survivors. She delivered a powerful message encouraging continued vigilance, warning that genocidal ideologies have not disappeared. “Groups like the FDLR and others who harbor the same dangerous beliefs still exist and operate, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in some other countries,” she noted. Her words served as a firm reminder that remembrance must be paired with awareness and continued commitment to justice and peace.
Ambassador Gashumba reassured survivors that they are never alone—the strength of the Rwandan government and its people will always stand beside them. “Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to rise,” she concluded.
The event also featured a poignant exhibition led by Mr. Bushayija, showcasing key moments of the 1994 genocide and highlighting the trauma endured by victims, as well as the resilience and unity that followed. The exhibition offered a space for reflection, education, and healing.
The ceremony was attended by a broad and diverse audience, including Rwandans from across Sweden, foreign ambassadors, representatives from other diaspora communities, and Swedish citizens. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to the values of remembrance, peace, and humanity.
As candles were lit and stories shared, the spirit of Kwibuka—“to remember”—was alive in every word and gesture. The event served not only to honor the past but also to strengthen the collective resolve to build a future free from hatred, division, and violence.
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