Rwandan Embassy in Seoul commemorates 32nd anniversary of genocide against Tutsi

Ambassadors and other participants pose the end of the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda at the FEBC-Seoul Art Hall in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park

The Embassy of Rwanda in Seoul hosted the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi (KWIBUKA 32) at the FEBC-Seoul Arts Hall, Tuesday, bringing together diplomats, government officials and members of the international community in a tribute to the victims and a renewed call for global responsibility.

The annual commemoration, held every April and known as Kwibuka, means “to remember” in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s national language. More than an act of remembrance, Kwibuka serves as a call to action, urging individuals and nations alike to reject hatred, confront genocide ideology, and uphold their shared responsibility to prevent future atrocities.

The ceremony began with the national anthems of Rwanda and Korea, performed by the FEBC Children’s Choir, followed by a minute of silence. Hundreds of participants stood in quiet remembrance of the more than 800,000 people — mostly Tutsi — who were killed during the genocide in 1994. A candle-lighting session followed, with ambassadors and dignitaries joining in a symbolic act to honor the victims and reaffirm hope for the future.

Participants observe a moment of silence in honor of victims during the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda at the FEBC-Seoul Art Hall in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park

A short film reflecting on the genocide and its aftermath set the tone for the commemorative speeches. Chung Kwang-yong, director-general for African and Middle Eastern Affairs at Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of vigilance and unity in confronting hatred.

“We stand with the international community in our determination not to turn a blind eye to humanity's hatred and division. We are strongly committed to upholding the values of humanity and mutual respect,” Chung said at the ceremony.

He also praised Rwanda’s remarkable recovery, noting, “The resilience and unwavering resolve of the people of Rwanda are profoundly moving. In the decades following those tragic chapters, Rwanda has emerged as a dynamic hub of innovation.”

Participants observe a moment of silence in honor of the victims during the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda at the FEBC-Seoul Art Hall in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park

He added that Rwanda’s progress serves as “a valuable model for sustainable development,” and reaffirmed that Korea is proud to partner with Rwanda in its journey toward a more prosperous future. Chung further highlighted that since 2010, Rwanda has been one of Korea’s priority partner countries for development cooperation, with collaboration spanning agriculture, education and information and communication technology.

Ambassador of Rwanda to Korea Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi stressed the dangers of denial of the tragic event in the modern era, underscoring the urgent need for active remembrance and accountability.

“Remembering is a duty to preserve truth, to honor dignity and to ensure that such tragedy is never repeated,” he said. “Thirty-two years later, the danger has not disappeared. It has evolved. Genocide denial and distortion now spread through social media and across borders.”

He warned against minimizing or distorting historical truth, stating firmly, “Let us be clear: denial is not an opinion. Distortion is not free speech; it is the continuation of the genocide in another form.”

Ambassador of Rwanda to Korea Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi speaks during the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda at the FEBC-Seoul Art Hall in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park

Manzi also highlighted Rwanda’s post-genocide transformation, pointing out that the country made a deliberate choice to rebuild on the foundation of unity and shared identity. While acknowledging that healing is ongoing, he emphasized that Rwanda today stands as a testament to resilience and reconciliation, where communities once divided have begun to rebuild trust and a new generation is growing up with a shared sense of purpose.

Im Moon-cheol, chairman of the Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation, also delivered a commemorative speech, drawing parallels between Rwanda’s experience and Korea’s own history of tragedy and recovery. Referencing the Jeju April 3 Uprising, he noted that both societies have faced immense suffering yet continue to pursue paths of reconciliation and coexistence.

Im emphasized the importance of reflection, stating that societies must always consider what kind of future they choose after confronting the extremes of human violence. He praised Rwanda’s efforts, including community-based justice mechanisms and reconciliation initiatives, as meaningful examples of choosing restoration over revenge and unity over division.