Maine community to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi

By Eloge Willy Kaneza

A solemn commemoration marking the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:15 PM at Bates College (Memorial Commons – Chase Hall) in Lewiston, Maine.

Organized by French and Francophone Studies, the Rwandan Students Organizing Team, and IBUKA Maine, the event will focus on memory, healing, and intergenerational dialogue, under the theme: “Remember – Unite – Renew.” The candle imagery symbolizing remembrance and resilience reflects the spirit of the gathering.

The event is expected to bring together students from several universities, including the University of Southern Maine and Bowdoin College, alongside teachers, professors, analysts, community leaders, and members of the Rwandan and broader Maine communities.

A similar commemoration held last year at Bowdoin College drew a large audience and featured powerful discussions on the roots of the genocide, its lasting impact, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. Testimonies from survivors and experts emphasized the importance of preserving memory and preventing future atrocities.

The evening will conclude with a candlelight vigil, a moment of reflection and unity to honor the victims and reaffirm a collective commitment to peace.