Why Rwandans Refer to Killings of Hundreds of Thousands as Genocide against Tutsis, Not Rwandan Genocide

• Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda in the worst of hate crimes scenario ever experienced in the world
• President Paul Kagame and his wife Jeannette laid a wreath of flowers at the Kigali Memorial where they also observed a moment of silence in honour of the departed souls
• The United Nations, African Union and Arsenal Football club amongst other agencies and corporations also sent their special commemoration messages to the people of Rwanda

"Never again" was a common phrase across the social media platform on Friday, April 7.

Never again

The phrase was dominantly used in statements posted in remembrance of hundreds of thousands of Rwandans killed in the genocide that happened in 1994.

President Paul Kagame, in a public event, led Rwandans and people and organisations from across the world to remember the innocent lives taken away.

Paul Kagame and Jeannette Kagame commemorate 1994 Genocide

Kagame and his wife Jeannette laid a wreath at the resting place of hundreds of thousands of people who died during the genocide and observed a moment of silence in honour of the departed compatriots.

"As Rwanda and the rest of the world mark the 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid a wreath at the resting place of over a quarter million victims and observed a moment of silence," read a tweet by Presidency/Rwanda handle.

The tweet was iced with the #Kwibuka hashtag. TUKO.co.ke understands that Kwibuka means to remember in Kinyarwanda.

Kagame's message emphasised on the need of kindness across all citizens.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guteress who said the genocide that targeted the Tutsis of Rwanda must never be forgotten as it was an unfortunate example of how easily hate speech culminates into hate crime.

"29 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we must never forget how easily hate speech turns to hate crime. Let us be ever vigilant – and always ready to act," Guteress tweeted.

Arsenal's message to Rwanda during 29th genocide commemoration

English Premier League title contenders Arsenal also had its players send special messages in commemoration of 29 years since the genocide against Tutsis.

"Today we stand with Rwanda to mark the 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Remember. Unite. Renew," Arsenal tweeted.

The Rwandan Genocide or Genocide against Tutsis

Rwandans online were categorical that the unfortunate happenings should not be referred to in an umbrella form as The Rwandan Genocide.

"Reminder: it's Genocide against Tutsi, not the vague and insensitive term 'Rwandan Genocide.' If you can't use the correct term, please keep your thoughts and prayers to yourself. Let's honor the victims with accurate and respectful language," said Fiona Kamikazi Rutagengwa.

Rwanda and Kenya enjoy warm bilateral ties with President William Ruto having traveled to Kigali and had meetings with Kagame and Kenyans in the East African country.