MINUBUMWE details Rwanda’s week of mourning and 32nd Genocide commemoration activities

By The Inspirer.

The Ministry of Unity and National Cohesion (MINUBUMWE) has announced the official program for Rwanda’s Week of Mourning, emphasizing that essential services and normal operations will continue alongside remembrance events.

The 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi began on April 7, 2026, at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the site of the national-level remembrance ceremony.

The day’s events include a “Walk to Remember” procession from Gasabo District to BK Arena, culminating in an evening memorial program. At the community level, villages will host talks and reflective activities, with all other services resuming once official ceremonies conclude.

Essential services such as hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies will remain operational, while hotels continue to serve guests. At the village level, the only scheduled public event during the week is the April 7 remembrance session.

On April 11, a remembrance walk in Kicukiro District will begin at IPRC/Kicukiro and conclude with an evening ceremony at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial. Commercial activities, individual sports, team training, and other livelihood-generating work will continue throughout the Week of Mourning.

The national flag will be flown at half-mast during this period. The Week of Mourning will conclude on April 13 at the Rebero Genocide Memorial, a day also dedicated to honoring politicians who were killed for opposing the genocide. No additional district-level closing events are planned.

MINUBUMWE reminded the public that remembrance ceremonies should not exceed three hours. Government institutions, private organizations, businesses, and foreign embassies may hold commemoration events between April 8 and July 3, 2026, featuring knowledgeable speakers.

Schools are expected to organize dedicated remembrance days, including educational talks and memorial visits where feasible, once students return from holidays. Evening vigils before remembrance or burial ceremonies must conclude by 10:00 p.m.

After the Week of Mourning, commemorative symbols will be lowered but may be reused for future genocide remembrance events. Citizens, particularly youth, are encouraged to actively participate in all remembrance activities and follow programs broadcast on radio, television, and social media.