Rwanda to Build Monument Honoring Journalists Killed in 1994 Genocide

April 13, 2025 – Rwanda – 

Rwanda is taking a significant step to honor the memory of journalists killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The government has announced plans to build a monument dedicated to more than 60 journalists who lost their lives while working to inform the public during one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history.

The announcement was made during a Kwibuka (remembrance) event in Kigali, held at the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) headquarters in April 2025. Government officials, media representatives, and families of the victims came together to reflect on the past and express their commitment to remembrance and justice.

Scovia Mutesi, Chairperson of the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), emphasized the importance of this monument, noting that the families of fallen journalists currently have no specific place to mourn their loved ones. She described the future site as a crucial space for reflection and education, one that will preserve the names and stories of journalists who died for their profession and principles.

Judith Uwizeye, Minister in the Office of the President, stated that the government stands ready to support the families of the deceased and that the monument would symbolize national respect for the media’s sacrifice. She explained that the initiative is being led in collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). The construction is expected to be completed by April 2026, aligning with the 32nd anniversary of the genocide.

Many of the journalists killed during the genocide were targeted for their efforts to speak the truth, or were caught in the brutal violence that engulfed the country. The monument will ensure their work is not forgotten and will serve as a reminder of the essential role of the media in promoting peace, accountability, and unity.

This initiative forms part of Rwanda’s broader efforts to acknowledge all victims of the genocide while fostering reconciliation and strengthening democratic values. It is also a powerful statement in defense of press freedom, both in Rwanda and globally.