Her message reflects on the responsibility of remembrance, the resilience of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the duty of every Rwandan to protect the nation’s dignity and identity.

At the heart of her message is a strong reminder that truth requires active protection, especially in a time when misinformation and denial continue to spread. She urged the youth to remain vigilant, think critically, and stand firm against narratives that seek to distort Rwanda’s past.

“Young people must understand that even though we say truth passes through fire without burning and always overcomes darkness, it does not defend itself. It requires people to rise and bring it to light with wisdom and clarity, because those who oppose it are constantly finding ways to mislead others,” she said.

Jeannette Kagame stressed that the commitment to “Never Again” is not merely symbolic, but a continuous responsibility that demands awareness, courage, and action. She highlighted that while Rwanda has made remarkable progress in rebuilding unity and peace, there are still forces that attempt to rewrite history and undermine these achievements.

She paid tribute to genocide survivors, commending their extraordinary courage in choosing to live, forgive, and rebuild despite the trauma they endured. Their resilience, she noted, remains a pillar of Rwanda’s recovery and a guiding example for future generations.

The First Lady also emphasized the role of families and society in nurturing a generation that values truth, critical thinking, and patriotism. She encouraged parents and educators to guide young people in questioning information, seeking evidence, and speaking out with confidence when confronted with falsehoods.

Her message comes at a time when Rwanda marks 32 years since the genocide, a period that continues to serve as both a moment of remembrance and a call to action. She warned against silence, noting that failing to speak up can create space for distortion and denial to grow.

Despite the challenges, she expressed confidence in Rwanda’s youth, describing them as thoughtful, aware, and capable of carrying forward the country’s legacy. She urged them to remain committed to unity, truth, and resilience as they shape the nation’s future.

Concluding her message, Jeannette Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s enduring spirit and collective responsibility to protect what has been built.

“Rwanda lives and will continue to live,” she said, calling on all citizens to stand together in preserving the truth and ensuring that the past is neither forgotten nor distorted.