Rwanda Honors Fallen Journalists of the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi with Plans for a New National Monument

KIGALI – The Rwandan media community gathered at the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency headquarters on Friday to pay tribute to the at least 50 journalists murdered during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The Kwibuka 32 commemoration highlighted the courage of professionals who were targeted for their ethnic identity or for refusing to disseminate state-sponsored hate propaganda.

During the ceremony, the daughter of late Kiberinka founder Vincent Shabakaka shared a moving account of her father’s dedication to truth despite the mortal risks he faced.

In a major step toward preserving this history, the government announced the upcoming construction of a dedicated monument to honor these journalists killed during the Genocide.

Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, reminded those in attendance that while some weaponized the airwaves to incite violence, those being honored chose professional ethics over hatred.

The event concluded with a call for modern journalists to use their conscience and historical knowledge to protect national unity against the rising tide of digital misinformation.