Today marks the fourth day since Rwanda began commemorating the over one million lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As we remember and honor the victims, we also stand against genocide denial and distortion of the truth.

During this period of remembrance, several Rwandan actors and actresses have stepped forward to share heartfelt messages with the nation and the world. Their voices reflect pain, hope, and a deep commitment to unity, truth, and peace.

Here are some of the powerful messages they shared:


1. Mavide(David TURATSINZE )

“Hello Rwanda, my name is David Turatsinze, known as Mavide on social media. I am an actor, comedian, and journalist. I was born after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Every time I hear a survivor’s testimony, every time I hear what happened during that dark time, something inside me breaks.
I ask myself: How could a mother kill her child? How could a father take his son’s life? How could neighbors turn into murderers?
I start to fear. I start to doubt love. I start to wonder if trust is still real.
But then I look at Rwanda today and I thank God. We are no longer divided by hate. We are Rwandans. We walk freely, even at night. We are not hunted because of who we are.
We are protected, we are loved, and we are led by a leader who chose unity over revenge.
The past still hurts. But today, peace speaks louder.”

2. Papa Sava (Gratien Niyitegeka)

“As we commemorate the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, I stand in solidarity with Rwandans and the entire world in this act of remembrance.
I especially call upon artists and actors in theatre and film to take a stand: to prevent the spread of genocide ideology, to refrain from promoting or expressing any words or writings that deny or trivialize the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and to actively resist and confront those spreading genocide ideology—especially as their presence continues to grow on social media.
Let us remember and rebuild.”
#Kwibuka31

3. Nadine Nana(Iradukunda Nadine)

“During this period of remembrance,
as we honor the memory of our loved ones who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,
I stand in solidarity with all Rwandans, especially the survivors of the genocide.
I extend my deepest comfort to them and kindly encourage them not to be overwhelmed by sorrow.

I especially thank the INKOTANYI and His Excellency President Paul Kagame for risking their lives to stop the genocide and for giving us opportunities like this one—to remember our loved ones in these times.

I call upon the youth, especially those active on social media, to continue standing in unity with Rwandans by comforting the country and supporting genocide survivors through their platforms.”
Kwibuka 31


4. Saranda Umutoni Olive

“It has been 31 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, yet it still feels like today. The pain remains deep, the grief still present, and the memories as vivid as ever.

For 31 years, we have remembered the faces and names of those we lost. We have kept their memories alive and stood firm against those who try to distort or deny the truth.

We carry the pain, the anger, and the responsibility to speak out. We continue to resist genocide ideology and denial in all its forms.

We survived. We are still here. And we will never stop speaking the truth.”
#Kwibuka31 #TwiyamyeAbapfobya


5.George (Niyigena Jean Pierre)

“Dear youth,
As we commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, let us remember:
Even the smallest trace of genocide ideology is too much. We cannot allow it to take root again.

We were born into a country that others fought and bled for. They carried the weight so we could stand tall. Now, it’s our turn to carry it forward — for those who will come after us.

If our parents’ generation ended the genocide and built a nation from ashes, then what will be our legacy?
Our true value lies not just in our potential, but in our willingness to be united by our shared commitment to a future brighter than the present we were gifted.

Let us make our legacy this:
That we uprooted genocide ideology.
That we broke the silence and stood firm when the world tried to forget.
And above all, we dreamed of a better Rwanda. And our children were born in it.

Komera Rwanda. Twibuke Twiyubaka.”

6. Maya(Irakoze Ariane Vanessa)

“31 years later, we come together to remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
As young Rwandans, we may not have lived through it, but we live with its impact every day.

We carry the responsibility to honor the past by shaping a better future—one built on unity, truth, and peace.
We are the generation that chooses unity over division. We choose love over hate. We choose to build not just for ourselves, but for those who never got the chance to see this future.”

7. Mireille Gihozo Nshuti

“As a young person surrounded by others I can influence,
I will keep reminding them that genocide must never happen again. I also would like to tell peope that Genocide we keep talking about happened, that is why we will never let its denial take away our memories. We were not born yet but we know and will pass the truth of what happened to the next generation. Remember, Unite, Renew;
Never Again Genocide.”

8. Dogiteri Nsabi (NSABIMANA Eric)

“Kwibuka is the right path to reflect on the dark history that marked our country, with the aim of helping people reconcile and become united, so that such tragedies never happen again. If unity and cooperation had truly characterized people to the end—if they had not listened to those who divided them into ethnic groups and followed the ideology they were fed—our country would not have fallen into chaos, and we would not have lost over a million lives.

As youth, we remember so that we can set limits—so that history doesn’t repeat itself. Because if we don’t reflect and stay aware, it could happen again. But when we are taught to prevent it and to promote Rwandanness, everyone begins to see each other as fellow Rwandans, not defined by ethnicity. This leads to mutual understanding and cooperation.

That’s why I personally encourage the youth to remember where our country came from, so that future generations won’t have to live in a place where someone feels unsafe in their own country, or where a Rwandan is made to feel like they are not Rwandan just because of division. These are the values that should guide us during this period of remembrance as we reflect on our country’s history and strive to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.#Kwibuka31 #Remember,Unite,Renew”

These voices remind us that remembrance is not just a duty- it is a call to action. A call to truth, to unity, and to a peaceful future for Rwanda and beyond.

#Kwibuka 31#Twibuketwiyubaka