On Monday, April 7, 2025, the Rwandan community in Côte d’Ivoire gathered at the Latrille Events space in Cocody to mark the 31st anniversary of the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi.
The solemn ceremony took place in the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, administrative and religious authorities, and many Ivorians. Tributes to the victims were paid through Christian and Muslim prayers — Catholic, Evangelical, and Islamic.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Cocody, Jean Marc Yacé, the 7th Deputy Mayor, Bintou Ouattara, conveyed the support of the municipal council and the compassion of the Ivorian people toward their Rwandan brothers and sisters.
"This commemoration is not only a remembrance but also a call for unity, peace, and reconciliation. It reminds us of the importance of tolerance and the promotion of human rights."
The UN Resident Coordinator in Côte d’Ivoire, Ms. Hélène N’Garnim-Ganga, echoed the message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. She urged nations to:
“Uphold the commitments made under the Global Digital Compact adopted in September 2024, combat misinformation and hate speech, fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law, and join the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide without delay.”
She also praised the Rwandan people’s resilience, saying their strength and determination to rebuild continue to inspire the world.
“Rwanda’s journey after the horror stands as a lesson of resilience, unity, transformation, and hope.”
For her part, Maître Stéphane Richmond, Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Côte d’Ivoire, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the solidarity shown during this 31st commemoration.
“Kwibuka, which means ‘to remember,’ is more than a moment of reflection. It is a renewed commitment to memory, justice, unity, and building together.”
She concluded by emphasizing that this ceremony also celebrates the resilience of the Rwandan people, who, despite unspeakable pain, chose reconciliation over hatred.
