Premier Ngirente made these remarks on April 8, 2025, during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, held in Musanze District.
Together with other officials and residents, Prime Minister Ngirente paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide who were killed in the former Mukingo Commune and laid to rest at the Busogo Genocide Memorial. He reassured the local community that such atrocities would never happen again.
He stressed the importance of unity in ensuring lasting peace, noting that today, people can travel safely across the countryâ€"from Musanze to Rusizi or Rusizi to Nyagatareâ€"thanks to the security guaranteed under President Kagame's leadership.
'I cannot leave this district without mentioning the security we enjoy as a countryâ€"security in our families, in our communities, and among neighbors. Let us live in harmony within our homes and society, and let's protect the nation's peace.
The security we have is not something we should take for granted. To take it for granted would mean starting to undermine it, which would eventually lead to its loss. I believe we should all understand this,' he said.
Dr. Ngirente also warned against individuals and foreign entities attempting to sow division among Rwandans, calling for vigilance to prevent any return to the dark history of the past.
'We will not allow anything that threatens the security of our country, nor will we tolerate anything that risks dragging us back into the tragic history of the Genocide against the Tutsi,' he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the commemoration period is also a moment to express gratitude to the former Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA-Inkotanyi) who stopped the Genocide.
'To honor them also means doing our part to build a better Rwanda for the future, which includes refusing to let anyone lead us down a path that could result in genocide again,' he added.
He further noted that remembrance is a time to reflect on the country's painful history and strengthen national unity while rejecting any ideology that could lead to a repeat of those dark times.
Dr. Ngirente called on the youth to take a stand against genocide ideology and those who propagate it.
'Let's be responsible youth. But to achieve that, parents have a key role to play. What values are we teaching our children at home? Let's raise them with Rwandan values that promote harmony with others,' he urged.
He highlighted the need for combined effortsâ€"by parents, teachers, and the governmentâ€"to raise a generation committed to peace and unity.
'If we do this, Rwanda will remain a peaceful country, free from division and free from genocide,' he concluded.
The 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi officially began on April 7 and will continue for 100 days.
IGIHE
