On April 8, 2026, Rwanda honored the 32nd anniversary of the tragic genocide against the Tutsi with a deeply moving ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea. This significant event, known as Kwibuka32, took place under the evocative theme of "Remember — Unite — Renew," and was hosted by the Rwandan Embassy in Seoul. More than 150 participants gathered at the FEBC Art Hall located in the Mapo-gu district, coming together to remember the victims, support the survivors, and pay tribute to those who courageously contributed to ending the horrific killings.
Chafik Rachadi, the dean of the diplomatic corps in Korea and the Moroccan ambassador to Korea, spoke poignantly during the ceremony, noting that "Words can destroy, but they can also heal and reconcile." This statement encapsulated one of the critical lessons learned from the genocide, emphasizing the power of language and its potential impact on society.
The term “Tutsi” refers to a specific ethnic group within the African Great Lakes region, and the genocide remains one of the most catastrophic events of the 20th century. According to estimates from the United Nations, between 150,000 and 250,000 women were subjected to rape during this dark chapter of history. Rachadi cautioned against the perils of dehumanizing language, which was employed to vilify victims by equating them with animals and vermin. He urged the international community to reaffirm its commitment to preventing such atrocities and to champion the dignity and safety of all individuals.
In a related address, Chung Kwang-yong, the director general for African and Middle Eastern Affairs at the South Korean Foreign Ministry, highlighted Rwanda’s extraordinary journey of recovery. He drew parallels between Rwanda's post-genocide reconstruction and South Korea's own experience following the Korean War. Chung acknowledged that Rwanda's resilience and resolve have transformed the nation into a burgeoning center of innovation, asserting that the Rwandan model of national rebuilding and economic development offers invaluable insights for sustainable growth.
The Rwandan Embassy emphasized that Kwibuka serves to mobilize global action against the ideology of genocide and reinforces the mantra of "Never Again," while also cautioning that the prevalence of disinformation poses a threat to historical truth. The ceremony was well-attended by a diverse group of individuals, including officials from the Korean government, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives, academics, media, business leaders, and the Rwandan community.
As reported by koreaherald.com.
