Kwibuka: Remember, Unite, Renew
Eloge Kaneza and Ernest Bigoro Ndayisaba
On April 12, 2025, the serene campus of Bowdoin College in Brunswick became a place of solemn remembrance as Rwandans living in Maine, along with guests, gathered to mark the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. The event was a poignant tribute to some one million lives lost in one of the most horrific periods of violence in modern history.
The commemoration began with a panel discussion moderated by Apollinaire Munyaneza, a former president of the Rwandan Association of Maine, and featuring several distinguished speakers: Romain Murenzi, Professor of Physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass. and former Minister in the President’s Office in Charge of Science and Technology, and Scientific Research in Rwanda.; David Gordon, Roger Howell Jr. Professor of History at Bowdoin; and Michel Kanyambo, a Rwandan-American legal professional and community leader based in Portland who has a background in law, immigration advocacy, and nonprofit leadership; and Ineza Village founder Anne Marie Mukankusi. Each shared their insights and experiences, shedding light on the historical context, the impact of the genocide, and the ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and unity.
Murenzi provided an historical overview, emphasizing that “genocide is not an accident. Genocide is not an event, it’s a process. Genocide is a state project carried out over a long time.” He highlighted the role of colonialism in creating divisions between Hutu and Tutsi, which were later exploited to devastating effect. His detailed analysis underscored the importance of understanding the roots of such conflicts to prevent future atrocities.
Anne Marie Mukankusi, a mental health counselor, shared her harrowing experiences and the deep trauma that continues to affect survivors. “Many victims have never had the chance to tell what happened to us – it’s just too horrific,” she said. She emphasized the importance of sharing stories and supporting each other in the healing process, and added, “Healing is a journey, and every step we take together brings us closer to peace.” Mukankusi also noted, “The scars may never fully heal, but through unity and understanding, we can find strength,” and concluded, “Our resilience is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome even the darkest times.”
Deborah Meillah Asiimwe Hirwa, a student at Bates College in Lewiston, delivered an address to the audience, sharing sentiments of unity and healing. “We must remember the past, but also look forward to a future where such atrocities never happen again,” she said. “Our strength lies in our ability to come together and support one another…By educating the younger generations, we ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. … It’s through these gatherings that we find hope and solidarity. … Together, we can build a world where peace and justice prevail.” She spoke of her father, who grew up in exile in Uganda, and was among the combatants who liberated Rwanda in 1994. “I am proud of my father and other heroes who fought so we may have a country.” Hirwa’s father died after liberation.
Michel Kanyambo discussed the aftermath of the genocide, when Hutu refugees fled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, carrying with them an ideology of genocide. That belief spread, he said, and he urged vigilance and education to combat such dangerous ideas.
“The genocide ideology does not know territorial borders. Now, even these days, it’s worse with social media, the online world,” he warned.
Alexandre E. Dauge-Roth, Professor of French and Francophone Studies at Bates College, attended the commemoration and emphasized to Amjambo Africa the role of international cooperation in preventing future genocides. “The lessons we learn from Rwanda are universal. We must all stand against hate and division, no matter where we are. Solidarity across borders is crucial in our fight against hatred.”
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The event also featured a powerful address by Songa Isaac, one of the organizers, who spoke about the importance of active remembrance. “Remembering isn’t a passive thing. It’s something that you must do actively. And the way that your remembrance can be strengthened the most is by actively not forgetting,” he said. He urged attendees to engage in meaningful actions that honor the memory of the victims: “Our actions today shape the future we want to see. By standing together, we send a powerful message of unity and resilience.”
Professor Romain Murenzi, a distinguished physicist and former Minister in the President’s Office in Charge of Science and Technology, and Scientific Research, provided a scientific perspective on the genocide. “The systematic nature of the genocide against the Tutsi was not just a series of random acts of violence. It was a meticulously planned and executed campaign,” he explained.
Emphasizing the importance of scientific research in understanding and preventing genocides, Murenzi said, “By studying the patterns and processes that lead to such atrocities, we can develop strategies to prevent them in the future.” He also highlighted the role of technology in both perpetuating and combating genocidal ideologies: “While technology can be used to spread hate, it can also be harnessed to promote peace and understanding.”
The issue of genocidal denial was a significant topic during the commemoration. About this troubling phenomenon, Murenzi said, “Denial is the final stage of genocide. It is an attempt to erase the truth and rewrite history.” He emphasized the importance of confronting denial head-on. “We must challenge false narratives and ensure that the truth is preserved.” He highlighted the role of education in combating denial. “By educating people about the realities of genocide, we can prevent the spread of denial and ensure that future generations understand the gravity of these atrocities,” he said.
James L. Reese, Associate Dean of Students for International Student Programs at Bates College, reflected on the importance of education in preventing genocide. “Education is key to understanding and preventing such atrocities. We must teach our children the value of tolerance and respect,” he told Amjambo Africa. Academic institutions can help in fostering a culture of peace. “Through education, we can build a foundation of empathy and understanding. … Our commitment to learning and teaching these lessons is vital for a peaceful future.”
The heroism of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) combatants – or Inkotanyi – was a recurring theme throughout the event. Bates student Deborah Asiimwe praised their bravery: “The RPF-Inkotanyi showed unparalleled courage and determination in stopping the genocide. Their actions saved countless lives and restored hope to a nation in despair,” she said. “Their legacy is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to justice.”
Anne Marie Mukankusi also highlighted their actions, saying, “The RPF-Inkotanyi were not just soldiers; they were saviors. They risked everything to protect the innocent and bring an end to the atrocities. … Their bravery serves as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us of the power of standing up against evil.”
Reflecting on the significance of their actions, Songa Isaac said, “The RPF-Inkotanyi’s intervention was a turning point in our history. They demonstrated that even in the darkest times, there is hope and the possibility of redemption.” He said, “Their heroism is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for what is right.”
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in an April 7, 2025, speech at the U.N. headquarters in New York, emphasized the premeditated nature of the genocide and the dangers of genocidal denial. “Digital technologies are being weaponized to spread lies, hate speech, and denial of genocides. We must act urgently to stem the tide of hate speech and prevent division and discontent from mutating into violence.
“The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is a chilling chapter in human history. And it occurred at terrifying speed. In just 100 days, some one million children, women and men were killed – the overwhelming majority Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide. … The international community must remain vigilant and proactive in combating these threats. … Our collective efforts are essential in ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.”
The U.S. State Department also issued a statement this year, reaffirming its commitment to preventing genocide and supporting Rwanda’s ongoing efforts toward reconciliation. “The United States stands with the people of Rwanda in remembering the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. We are committed to supporting efforts to ensure that such atrocities never happen again,” the statement read.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, in his address at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, assured Rwandans that genocide would never happen again because they would not allow it to occur a second time. “There’s a chance, a significant chance, that if you stand up and fight, you’ll live – and you will have lived a dignified life that you deserve,” he said.
Kagame also addressed international pressure over Rwanda’s alleged involvement in eastern Congo: “Those who say they are sanctioning us – I tell them to their face: go to hell.”
He said, “Our resilience and determination will guide us forward. … We must continue to strive for peace and justice for all.”
The commemoration at Bowdoin College concluded with a candlelight vigil, where attendees lit candles in memory of the victims. The flickering flames symbolized hope and renewal, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The event ended with a renewed commitment to peace and unity, ensuring that the lessons of the past would guide the future.
As the attendees reflected on the day’s events, the enduring slogan of the commemoration remained: Remember, Unite, Renew.
The Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda was triggered on April 6, 1994, when a plane carrying then-President Juvénal Habyarimana was shot down near Kigali. The crash also killed Cyprien Ntaryamira, president of neighboring Burundi. Both leaders had just returned from peace talks with Tutsi-led rebels.
The attack sparked one of the most horrific periods of violence in modern history, as Hutu extremists unleashed a campaign of mass murder, targeting Tutsi and moderate Hutu across the country.
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