Kwibuka 32 in Winnipeg: An evening of memory, reflection, and unity
On the evening of April 25th, around 100 members of the Rwandan community and friends gathered at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) to mark Kwibuka 32 with the Rwandan Community of Manitoba (RCA–Manitoba Chapter). The atmosphere was quiet and reflective, with solemn Kwibuka music setting the tone for a two-hour commemorative program. The event was also attended by His Excellency Ambassador Prosper Higiro, alongside Angeliki Bogiatji, Interpretive Program Developer at CMHR, who supported the coordination of the gathering.
The commemoration opened with a candle-lighting ceremony led by Ambassador Higiro, followed by a deeply moving name-reading segment. Young adults took turns reading messages and names of victims in both English and French, while images of loved ones were projected on screen. This moment created a powerful space of remembrance and collective mourning.
RCA–Manitoba President Fidele Sagamba delivered the opening remarks, firmly condemning the hateful ideology that led to the genocide against the Tutsi and acknowledging the deep and lasting impact it had on families and generations. His remarks set a clear tone of remembrance and responsibility.
The program continued with historical reflections from community member Emmanuel Munyuza, who traced the colonial roots of division under Belgian rule and the gradual process of othering that contributed to the conditions for genocide. RCA–Manitoba board members Maurice Muhizi and Fabrice Ntwali further emphasized the importance of remembrance for younger generations, especially those carrying lived family histories passed down from survivors.
Angeliki Bogiatji of CMHR spoke to the international community’s failure to respond to warning signs in 1994, stressing the responsibility of institutions to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. Her remarks highlighted the enduring relevance of education, accountability, and memory in human rights work.
In his closing address, Ambassador Prosper Higiro reflected on ongoing regional tensions in the Great Lakes region and warned of the continued presence of genocidal ideology in parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment that the genocide against the Tutsi will never happen again, a message received with deep attention and reflection by the audience.
One of the most impactful moments of the evening was a survivor testimony video. The room fell into complete silence as attendees watched stories of loss and resilience unfold. The emotional weight of the testimony left many visibly moved, underscoring the lasting human impact of the genocide.
Following the formal program, attendees had the opportunity to speak directly with Ambassador Higiro during an informal exchange. His visit marked his first official engagement in Winnipeg, and community members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect personally with Rwanda’s representative in Canada.
Kwibuka 32 in Winnipeg was more than a ceremony—it was a shared act of remembrance. It brought together voices across generations to honor those who were lost, to reflect on history, and to reaffirm a collective commitment to never forget. For a young and growing community organization, the presence, participation, and solidarity of those who attended marked an important milestone in building memory and community together.
