EU Council President Charles Michel Joins Rwanda in Solidarity and Remembrance at the 30th Anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi

17.04.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to RWANDA

The President of the European Council Charles Michel attended the National Remembrance ceremony on 7 April 2024 in Kigali Rwanda to mark the 30^th Anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi (Kwibuka 30), signifying a strong show of solidarity with Rwandans.

EUROPEAN COUNCIL

The President joined other dignitaries invited by the Government of Rwanda for the lighting of the flame of hope at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which preceded the national ceremony.

During the national remembrance ceremony at the BK Arena in Kigali, President Michel shared a heartfelt speech pointing to the need for the world to learn from the past in order to shape a brighter future. “The duty of memory is first and foremost an obligation. It is an obligation to remember, an obligation not to forget. It is an obligation to learn from our mistakes in order to try to let more light into the world,” he said.

On Monday, 8 April, President Michel joined staff of the EU Delegation in Kigali for a solemn commemoration of 14 staff of the European Commission who died during the genocide against the Tutsi. In his message, the President expressed his solidarity with survivors and their families and took a moment to pay tribute to the departed whose names are engraved on a memorial plaque at the EU Delegation. “I wish you a lot of hope, a lot of courage. I thank you for the work you do. You are a very solid link between the European Union and Rwanda. It is a partnership we want to be ambitious, respectful, and modern,” he shared.

EU Delegation colleague Yvonne Solange also shared her story of survival as part of the commemoration, shedding light on the impact of forgiveness and reconciliation; “I chose to forgive the man who killed my family members because the will to move forward and the courage to forgive is the secret of Rwandans today to build a better future for future generations.”

The President also met with Rwanda’s President Kagame for a candid exchange on the strong partnership between the European Union and Rwanda. He also engaged with young entrepreneurs at Norrsken East Africa under the EU supported ‘Aguka’ Programme to promote entrepreneurship and job creation. This timely exchange symbolised Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to promote the involvement of youth in rebuilding the country from the ashes.