The event, attended by around 300 participants, began with the “Walk to Remember,” a solemn procession honoring the victims. It was followed by an exhibition on Rwanda’s history and the preparation of the genocide, where Ambassador Shakilla Umutoni guided guests through the historical journey using powerful photographic documentation.

In her remarks, Ambassador Umutoni emphasized that the genocide was not spontaneous: “It was the culmination of a carefully orchestrated plan of destruction spanning several decades: years of division, discrimination, dehumanization, repeated pogroms, exclusion, and persecution.”

She noted that “an apartheid-like system took root, codifying ethnicity and normalizing hatred,” highlighting the long-term nature of the ideology that led to the tragedy.

The Ambassador also stressed Rwanda’s recovery journey, noting that post-genocide reconstruction “is a testament to what can be achieved when a nation chooses to confront its past with honesty and courage.”

She further praised the role of the Rwandan Patriotic Army led by President Paul Kagame in ending the genocide and enabling a rebuilding process centered on unity, reconciliation, and healing.

Ambassador Umutoni warned of the persistence of genocide ideology and hate speech, noting that it has spread into neighboring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the FDLR continues to pose a threat to regional stability.

Also speaking at the event, Amina Bouayach emphasized the importance of remembrance, stating that:

“the role of remembrance is not to dwell on the past, but to serve as a force to prevent the future from descending into tragedies like the one that claimed the lives of more than a million Tutsis.”

Representing the Moroccan government, Boukili Makhoukhi reaffirmed Morocco’s solidarity with Rwanda and highlighted the strong relations between King Mohammed VI and President Kagame.

The commemoration concluded with the lighting of the Flame of Hope, symbolizing resilience, and a screening of the documentary “Rwanda from Despair to Hope,” illustrating Rwanda’s journey from tragedy to recovery and its aspirations for the future.