Never Again
Bugingo says Commemorating 32 years since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and honouring the victims and survivors, is a global call to vigilance, unity, and action against hatred and division.
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — April 7, 2026
Zambia joined the Republic of Rwanda and the international community in commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, honouring victims and survivors while calling for vigilance, unity, and action to prevent future atrocities.
The event, held under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew,” brought together diplomats, government officials, faith leaders, and representatives from international organisations to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in modern history, in which more than one million people were killed within 100 days.
He explained that colonial policies disrupted Rwanda’s social cohesion by institutionalising ethnic divisions, later reinforced by post-independence governments through exclusionary and discriminatory practices.
“These divisions were not accidental. They were cultivated over time, creating an environment where hatred could thrive and ultimately lead to mass violence,” Mr. Bugingo said.
Media platforms were also used to incite violence and encourage citizens to participate in the killings.
“In just 100 days, more than one million lives were lost, families were destroyed, and communities were torn apart,” he said.
Mr. Bugingo further observed that despite clear warning signs, the international community failed to intervene in time to stop the genocide, a failure he said continues to serve as a lesson for global leaders.
Following the genocide, Rwanda embarked on a long and complex process of rebuilding, focusing on national unity, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.
A Government of National Unity was established to bring together citizens and restore trust in public institutions.
He highlighted the role of the Gacaca community-based courts, which tried nearly two million cases, as a critical mechanism for delivering justice, establishing truth, and fostering reconciliation at the grassroots level.
“These processes required immense courage and sacrifice, particularly from survivors, who had to confront painful memories in the pursuit of justice and healing,” he said.
Mr. Bugingo said Rwanda has since made notable progress in rebuilding its social fabric and economy, but warned that the ideology that led to the genocide has not been completely eradicated.
He pointed to the continued spread of genocide denial, hate speech, and division, particularly on digital platforms, as ongoing threats that require vigilance.
“Genocide does not happen overnight. It is a process that develops over time, often fuelled by indifference. We must remain alert and proactive in confronting these dangers,” he said.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, James Wakiaga, said remembrance must go beyond symbolism and translate into concrete action to prevent future atrocities.
He noted that the United Nations has continued to promote education and awareness through its outreach programme on the genocide, established by the UN General Assembly in 2005, which seeks to mobilise global action around remembrance and prevention.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools in combating hatred. It preserves truth, challenges denial, and helps future generations understand the consequences of division,” Mr. Wakiaga said.
He expressed concern over rising hate speech, misinformation, and online radicalisation, warning that these trends can recreate conditions similar to those that led to the 1994 genocide.
Mr. Wakiaga called on countries to fully implement the Genocide Convention and strengthen institutions that safeguard human dignity, stressing that prevention is a shared global responsibility.
He paid tribute to survivors, whose resilience and determination have been central to Rwanda’s recovery and transformation.
“We honour those who lost their lives and recognise the courage of survivors who continue to rebuild their communities,” Mr. Chibamba said.
He also acknowledged individuals who risked their lives to save others during the genocide, describing their actions as powerful examples of humanity in the face of extreme violence.
Mr. Chibamba warned against the dangers of hate speech and social division, urging governments, institutions, and the media to actively promote tolerance, truth, and accountability.
“If we are to prevent such tragedies in the future, we must learn from past failures and act decisively against all forms of discrimination and incitement,” he said.
Northmead Assemblies of God Overseer Bishop Joshua Banda called for a renewed global commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity, warning that rising violence and indifference threaten humanity’s moral conscience.
Speaking during the commemoration, Bishop Banda said the event was not only about honouring victims but also about reflection and action.
“We gather not only to remember, but to renew our collective commitment to life, dignity, and peace,” he said.
The bishop noted that this year’s remembrance coincides with the Christian Easter season, which symbolises hope and the triumph of life over death, but cautioned that the world remains deeply affected by conflict, division, and suffering.
“Even as we proclaim resurrection, we do so in a world that is still wounded by violence,” he said.
Bishop Banda warned that violence is increasingly becoming normalised, with conflicts across the globe displacing millions of people and worsening poverty and insecurity.
“Our human family is bleeding,” he said, adding that indifference to suffering continues to grow.
He described this trend as a “globalisation of indifference,” where societies become desensitised to violence and human suffering.
Drawing from experiences of engaging with survivors and reconciliation efforts, Bishop Banda said the genocide remains a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred, prejudice, and silence.
“These are not distant stories. They are real experiences that show both the depth of human suffering and the possibility of redemption,” he said.
He further stressed that the tragedy was not inevitable but resulted from sustained divisions and failure to act.
He noted that much of the international community stood by as the atrocities unfolded.
Bishop Banda also referenced efforts by leaders to “silence the guns,” urging citizens and governments alike to reject violence and prioritise reconciliation.
“Beyond policies and declarations, the real transformation must take place in the human heart,” he said.
He called on individuals and institutions to move beyond remembrance and take deliberate action to prevent future atrocities, including promoting dialogue, protecting human dignity, and rejecting indifference.
“‘Never again’ must be more than words—it must be a commitment we live by,” he said.
The commemoration brought together faith leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the public to reflect on the lessons of the 1994 genocide and reinforce the call for lasting peace.
The event concluded with a moment of silence in honour of the victims, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a more inclusive, peaceful, and united world.
He stressed that while the genocide remains a story of immense loss, it is also a testament to resilience, recovery, and the enduring human capacity to rebuild after tragedy.
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