The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), in partnership with the Former Amavubi Players Association (FAPA), has this Friday evening joined Rwandans in commemorating victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, particularly those who were part of the football ecosystem including leaders, coaches, players, referees, journalists, and football fans.

The commemoration event took place at the Nyanza-Kicukiro Memorial Site and was attended by several dignitaries including FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema, Director General of Sports Development at MINISPORTS Gilbert Manier Muvunyi, Rwanda Premier League President Hadji Mudaheranwa, FAPA President Eugene Murangwa, alongside representatives from different institutions and members of the football fraternity.

Speaking during the event, FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema called upon Rwandans, especially those involved in sports, to continue fighting against genocide ideology and denial.

“We must remain united in preserving the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi and continue educating younger generations to reject genocide ideology, divisionism, and denial in all its forms,” said Shema.

Different speakers emphasized the importance of remembering the victims as a way of restoring the dignity they were stripped of, despite the joy and contribution they brought to society through football. 

They also commended FERWAFA and FAPA for working together to ensure the successful organization of the commemoration event.

The program began with a guided tour of the memorial site followed by the laying of wreaths on the mass graves as a symbol of remembrance and respect for the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi laid to rest at the Nyanza-Kicukiro Memorial Site.

During this commemoration, More than 100 identified names of victims from the football family who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were read, while efforts continue to identify more victims so that they may all be remembered and honored with the dignity they deserve.