The commemoration brought together representatives of the Government of Mali, members of the diplomatic corps, the Rwandan community living in Mali, and friends of Rwanda alongside Rwanda’s Ambassador to Mali, Festus Bizimana.

In his remarks, Ambassador Bizimana said Kwibuka is a collective duty of remembrance aimed at honoring more than one million victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and ensuring that “Never Again” becomes a reality. He warned against the growing spread of genocide denial and distortion of history through social media and the misuse of artificial intelligence.

Speaking on behalf of the Rwandan community in Mali, Alida Faraya emphasized the importance of remembrance as an act of dignity, resilience and transmission of truth to future generations.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mali, Hanaa-Singer Hamdy, expressed regret over the silence and inaction of the international community during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

Representing the Government of Mali, Minister of State for Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, General Ismaël Wagué, conveyed a message of friendship and compassion to the people of Rwanda. He affirmed that Mali bows in respect before the memory of the victims and strongly condemns genocide ideology, hate speech and identity-based violence.

The ceremony reflected the strong ties between Rwanda and Mali, as well as a common determination to preserve memory and ensure such atrocities never happen again.