On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Caritas Rwanda and its affiliated institutions, Librairie Caritas Ltd and Centenary House Ltd, paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, including former colleagues, at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial.
The commemoration included reflections on the history of the genocide against the Tutsi, particularly focusing on the history of the area where the Nyanza Genocide Memorial is located, testimonies, and wreath-laying in remembrance of the victims.
In addition, participants visited different sections of the memorial while receiving explanations about its history and significance.
In the opening prayer, Fr. Oscar Kagimbura, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, prayed for the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing that remembering them is an act of dignity and humanity, even though it is emotionally painful. He offered special prayers for former Caritas Rwanda employees who were killed during the genocide.
Ms. Huss Monique, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Kicukiro District, commended Caritas Rwanda for organizing an event that helps educate young people about the country’s history. “We thank Caritas for organizing this event so that the young employees can learn about our history, while older generations play their role in teaching them and strengthening the spirit of unity and resilience among Rwandans, so that genocide never happens again.”, she said.
Representing Ibuka, Ahishakiye Naphtal also thanked Caritas Rwanda for organizing the commemoration in honor of more than one million innocent victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including over 105,000 victims resting at Nyanza Genicide Memorial, while also paying tribute to its former employees. He added that it is important to appreciate the Rwanda Government for creating the opportunity and environment that allow Rwandans to remember together.
Fr. Vedaste Kayisabe, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda and guest of honor, recalled that Caritas Rwanda was founded in 1959 under the name Secours Catholique Rwandais during a difficult historical period that later culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with the mission of helping people in distress. He emphasized that during this commemoration period, everyone should strive for three important values: “(i) remembering, (ii) promoting unity by working together to build the nation, the Church, and humanity, and (iii) rebuilding ourselves through solidarity and mutual support.”
The former Caritas Rwanda employees who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are: Rugangura Alphonse, Niyibizi Léopold, Beneyezu Eugène, Karangwa Claver, Bunangwa Eugène, Seromba Raphaël, and Nyirababili Joséphine.