Rwandan Embassy in Qatar Marks Kwibuka 31 with Tribute to Genocide Victims and Message of Unity

The Rwandan Embassy in Qatar on Tuesday joined Rwandans around the world in commemorating Kwibuka 31, the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in a solemn ceremony that paid tribute to more than one million lives lost.

Held under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,” the event at the Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel brought together government officials, diplomats, international representatives, and members of the Rwandan community in Qatar to honour the victims, support survivors, and reflect on Rwanda’s journey of reconciliation and resilience.

Kwibuka—meaning “to remember” in Kinyarwanda—serves as a global moment of remembrance and a reaffirmation of the world’s commitment to “Never Again.”

Leading the ceremony, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Igor Marara, emphasized the enduring importance of remembrance and global solidarity.

“Today, we stand together to honour the victims and survivors of the genocide,” said Ambassador Marara. “We also celebrate the resilience of the Rwandan people and the solidarity of nations like Qatar that have walked with us on our path toward peace and progress.”

Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, attended the event, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations. Their presence underscored the strengthening ties between Qatar and Rwanda and a shared commitment to peace and unity.

The program began with a moment of silence and the lighting of memorial candles, a symbolic gesture of hope rising from the darkness of Rwanda’s tragic past. A documentary screening showcased the country’s transformation over the past three decades, highlighting strides in governance, economic growth, and national unity.

A visual exhibition featured photographs and artifacts from the genocide and Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery, offering guests a powerful narrative of loss, healing, and determination.

Young Rwandan poet Ange Nicole Gwiza moved the audience with her recitation of “Together to Remember,” a piece that captured the collective memory of a nation still healing and the promise of a future built on unity.

Cultural performances added depth to the evening’s message, blending tradition with remembrance and symbolizing Rwanda’s efforts to preserve its heritage while building a peaceful, inclusive future.

The Embassy used the occasion to showcase Rwanda’s economic progress and investment opportunities, from sustainable tourism and eco-lodges to the world-renowned gorilla trekking experiences. These align closely with Qatar’s interest in luxury, environmentally conscious travel.

Since its establishment, the Rwandan Embassy in Doha has actively promoted bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and diplomacy. Qatar’s role in regional peace efforts, including recent mediation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in March 2025, was acknowledged as a reflection of its commitment to stability—an ethos shared by post-genocide Rwanda.

For Rwandans living in Qatar, Kwibuka 31 offered a moment of community and remembrance.

“Being far from Rwanda doesn’t diminish our duty to remember,” said Marie Uwase, a Rwandan expatriate in Doha. “This event reminds us of who we are and where we’re going.”

The Embassy encouraged active participation from the diaspora, offering consular services and updates on Rwanda’s development.

As Rwanda continues to forge a path of renewal and hope, Kwibuka 31 served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of remembrance—and the global responsibility to uphold peace, dignity, and human rights.