On 17 April 2026 The Private Sector Federation (PSF) joined Rwandans in marking the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, honoring business people who were killed and renewing commitment to unity, remembrance, and the fight against genocide ideology.
The event brought together leaders from different sectors, including the Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, alongside members of the private sector and citizens from across the country.
Activities began with support of 5 million Rwandan Francs to genocide survivors grouped under “ABIYUBAKA GAKONI” in Nyarugenge District, demonstrating continued efforts to rebuild lives and promote resilience among survivors.
Speaking during the event, PSF leaders emphasized that remembrance is not only about honoring the past but also about taking responsibility to prevent genocide ideology, especially in today’s digital age where hate speech can spread quickly.
PSF François Twagirumukiza, in his opening remarks, said remembrance provides an opportunity to reflect on Rwanda’s past and take action against divisionism.
He said, “Remembrance is a time to reflect on Rwanda’s past and to actively fight genocide ideology, especially hate speech spread on social media. Every Rwandan has a role to play in ensuring that such history never repeats itself.”
PSF Chairperson François Twagirumukiza also addressed the role played by some in the private sector during the genocide, calling on today’s business community to take responsibility in preventing its recurrence.
He said, “The RPF-Inkotanyi stopped the killings, but it is the responsibility of every Rwandan to fight genocide ideology. We must start in our families, communities, workplaces, and even on social media platforms. As business people, our work now crosses borders, and wherever we go, we must carry the spirit of unity and responsibility.”
A testimony from genocide survivor Mugabonake Olivier, who shared the challenges he faced growing up due to discrimination in education.
He said, “I grew up with dreams of becoming self-reliant. I asked my cousin what I should study, and he told me management. But when I asked how to join university, I was told that even some students could not get scholarships to study such courses, let alone a Tutsi. That made me believe I would never have a chance to study at university.”
Mugabonake explained that after the genocide was stopped by the RPF-Inkotanyi, new opportunities opened up for him and many others.
He said, “What we were told we could never study, I later studied. I completed business administration in Butare and went on to build a technology company. Today, we employ more than 40 people and provide services to over 5 million people across Africa, including Rwanda. This shows the importance of having a country and good leadership.”
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, highlighted how the genocide destroyed the unity of Rwandans but noted that significant progress has been made in rebuilding it through good leadership.
He said, “The Genocide against the Tutsi destroyed the unity of Rwandans, but through good leadership, strong efforts have been made to rebuild it based on a country free from discrimination. Today, the unity of Rwandans has reached a high level, standing at 95.3%. This shows the journey Rwanda has made towards reconciliation and national rebuilding.”
Minister Sebahizi further urged both public and private institutions to work together in rejecting divisionism and misinformation.
He said, “Today, as the private and public sectors, we are committed to strengthening efforts to fight genocide ideology in all its forms. Whether it appears in speech, actions, or misuse of media and technology, it must be rejected. We must prevent any distortion of history, stand for truth, and continue building an economy based on peace and unity.”
The event also featured a discussion led by a representative from MINUBUMWE, who spoke about Rwanda’s painful history and commended PSF for its role in fighting genocide ideology and promoting unity
Participants Also visited the Nyanza ya Kicukiro Genocide Memorial, where PSF leaders and members laid wreaths and paid tribute to more than 105,600 victims laid to rest at the site.
PSF provided support of 5 million Rwandan Francs to Genocide survivors grouped under “ABIYUBAKA GAKONI” in Nyarugenge District as part of Kwibuka32 activities.
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