Unlike previous editions organized in collaboration with the Rwandan Embassy and Charleroi city authorities, this year's event was independently coordinated by the local Rwandan community in Charleroi.
The commemoration was attended by key figures including Eugène Twagiramutabazi, President of Ibuka Mémoire & Justice â€" Belgique; Pamela Kamuzima, head of DRB-Rugali Section Charleroi; and Lina Mukandori, representing the association of genocide survivors in the city.
Also present was Marina Shumbusho, 24, who gave a moving testimony as a child born to genocide survivors. Friends of Rwanda and members of the diaspora from various parts of Belgium also joined the event.
In her remarks, Lina Mukandori reflected on Rwanda's painful past, noting that 31 years ago, ethnic division led to atrocities where people turned against neighbors, friends, and even close relatives.
'Over the past three decades, Rwanda has chosen a different pathâ€"one of unity, rebuilding, and dignity,' she said.
She also addressed genocide denial, especially claims that the genocide began only after the 1994 plane crash that killed President Juvénal Habyarimana. 'That's not true,' she stated, referencing genocide researcher Gregory H. Stanton's work on the stages of genocide planning.
Eugène Twagiramutabazi commended the youth for their involvement in organizing the event. 'We remember, no matter what. Remembrance is not mine or yoursâ€"it belongs to all of us,' he said.
As in previous years, the ceremony also honored the 10 Belgian peacekeepers killed in Rwanda on April 7, 1994â€"including Charleroi natives Corporal Alain Debatty, First Lieutenant Thierry Lotin, and Corporal Marc Uyttebroeck.
The event began with the laying of wreaths at the Genocide Memorial in Parc Reine Astrid, a park in central Charleroi that also holds monuments tied to World War history.
A walk to remember followed, carried out under heavy rain, but continued undeterred, as participants remained committed to the cause.
The final segment included testimonies, solemn songs, reflection, and a night vigil featuring remembrance music and photos of victimsâ€"honoring their names, lives, and legacies.
Walk to remember
Commemoration talks
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
