Kagame Vows Genocide Will Never Happen Again in Rwanda

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has reaffirmed that genocide will never occur again in Rwanda, underscoring the country’s commitment to safeguarding its stability and unity 32 years after the 1994 genocide.

Speaking during the commemoration on Tuesday, Kagame reflected on the country’s painful past while emphasizing the determination of Rwandans to prevent a recurrence of the atrocities that claimed over 800,000 lives, largely from the Tutsi community and moderate Hutus.

The genocide, which took place between April 7 and July 19, 1994, remains one of the darkest chapters in Rwanda’s history.

Kagame said that in the aftermath, Rwandans made a conscious decision to rebuild their nation on the principles of unity, resilience, and self-reliance.

“Genocide cannot happen here again, it won’t happen,” Kagame said, dismissing what he described as external “noise” from individuals and groups attempting to sow division.

He referenced meetings held abroad and in neighbouring countries, including those involving relatives of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, but said such activities pose no real threat to Rwanda’s internal stability.

Kagame also reflected on the international community’s failure to intervene in time to stop the genocide, noting that Rwandan lives were treated as insignificant despite clear warning signs.

“Our deepest source of grief was always that we could not arrive earlier,” he said, referring to efforts by the then Rwandan Patriotic Army, which he credited with eventually ending the genocide.

He added that the experience shaped the values and discipline of the Rwanda Defence Force, which he said continues to play a significant role in international peacekeeping missions.

On recent geopolitical developments, Kagame addressed sanctions imposed by the United States on the Rwanda Defence Force and several of its commanders over alleged support to the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

He maintained that external criticism and sanctions would not undermine Rwanda’s security institutions.

“No sanctions or insult from outside can ever tarnish the honour and integrity of Rwanda’s defence and security forces, who are among the finest that can be found anywhere,” Kagame said.