As Rwanda marks the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the LéO Africa Institute extends our heartfelt solidarity to our fellows, faculty, and the resilient people of Rwanda. This year’s Kwibuka theme, “When Never Again Fails – Continuation of Genocide Ideology,” is momentous. It’s momentous because it bends our minds to reflect on the unpleasant experiences of the past as well as the persistent challenges experienced today that threaten the promise of “Never Again.” As an institute deeply committed to fostering values-based leadership, impactful dialogue, and Africa’s transformation, we stand with Rwanda in remembrance and unity.
Though the scars of Rwanda’s dark past endure, etched into the memory of survivors, spread across the geography of memorial sites, and stamped on the collective conscience of humanity, Rwandese people still stand strong. They are a testament to the inexhaustible resilience of mankind. They are a shining example to the world that reconciliation is possible. And they are steadfast in their determination to rebuild Rwanda.
“The experiences in Rwanda give all of us a great lesson that we all need to relate with kindness and compassion no matter our differences.” Andrew Mbigiti, Huduma Fellow, 2024.
This year’s theme resonates far beyond Rwanda’s borders. “When Never Again Fails” reminds us to ponder on what leadership means in the world that still witnesses discrimination, dehumanization, and mass atrocities. For the LéO Africa Institute, this theme is a call to our fellows and faculty to lead with courage, to interrogate the systems that enable such failures, and to champion the values of justice, dignity (Agaciro), and unity.
As Africans, we must carry forward the lessons of our history: that silence in the face of hate speech, division, and injustice is never neutral.
#Kwibuka31 reminds us that unity and peace are built on truth, justice, and the courage to reject genocide ideology in all its forms. Together, let’s choose humanity. Let’s remember, unite, and renew.” Fiona Kamikazi, YELP Fellow 2022
We pay homage to the people of Rwanda for walking such an extraordinary journey. You have forged a nation that scores high on many global indexes of social-economic and political performance, despite having inherited a forlorn and desolate nation in 1994. Your stories teach the world that the work of building inclusive societies begins with remembering the past and acting decisively in the present.
In solidarity,
The LéO Africa Institute
