7 April 2026 — The 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, known as Kwibuka 32, was marked in the capital Seoul with a series of events combining public remembrance, artistic tribute and diplomatic reflection, underscoring a shared global responsibility to remember and prevent genocide.
The commemoration began in the morning with a “Walk to Remember,” where members of the Rwandan community, diplomats and friends of Rwanda gathered in solidarity to honour more than one million victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
The walk provided a moment of quiet reflection while reinforcing the importance of unity, peace and vigilance against hatred.
Later, the Embassy of Rwanda in Seoul hosted an official ceremony at FEBC-Seoul Arts Hall on Tuesday, bringing together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the wider international community.
Among those in attendance was Chung Kwang-Young, representing the Government of South Korea.
He was joined by Im Moon-cheol and Chafik Rachadi, highlighting the broad international solidarity that continues to define Kwibuka commemorations worldwide.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Rwanda, Ambassador Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi emphasised the importance of confronting denial and preserving truth.
“Genocide denial and distortion are not opinions, but a continuation of the genocide,” he said, urging the international community to remain vigilant against narratives that seek to rewrite history or minimise the crimes of 1994.
The ceremony also featured a moving musical tribute by Caleb Jules, who performed the commemorative song “Ibuka and Never Again.”
His performance captured both the grief of remembrance and the resilience that continues to define Rwanda’s journey of recovery.
Speakers throughout the event stressed that Kwibuka is not only about honouring the past but also about recognising the warning signs of future atrocities.
The genocide, widely acknowledged as one that could have been prevented, remains a stark reminder of the consequences of international inaction.
Kwibuka, meaning “to remember” in Kinyarwanda, is observed annually by Rwandans and friends of Rwanda across the world.
In Seoul, the combination of a public remembrance walk and a formal diplomatic gathering reflected both community engagement and institutional commitment to the principles of remembrance, justice and accountability.
As candles were lit in tribute, participants reaffirmed a collective pledge to uphold the message of Kwibuka: to remember the victims, stand with survivors and ensure that “Never Again” remains an active and shared responsibility for generations to come.
