Rwanda community in Washington and friends of Rwanda pay tribute to the Genocide victims with a moment of silence.
The Rwandan community and friends living in Washington, D.C., and Bellevue City gathered at Bellevue Presbyterian Church to pay tribute to the one million Tutsi who perished during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
The Rwandan Community in Washington State, in collaboration with the IBUKA Washington Chapter, organised the event on on 3 May 2025 to honour the victims and to promote messages of remembrance, reconciliation, unity, and renewed hope.
During the commemoration, the City of Bellevue presented a proclamation to the Rwandan community, granting permission for Rwandans and their supporters to officially commemorate the genocide each April.
Representing Mayor Robinson of Bellevue, Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis publicly read the proclamation to attendees at the memorial gathering.
Left to Right> City of Bellevue Councilmember Lee, Phillipe Rwinkusi Ibuka president Washington Seattle Chapter, Councilmember Nieuwenshuis, Andrew Ndayambaje President Rwanda community Association in Washington (receiving a proclamation for April as a commemoration month in Bellevue City), Councilmember Sumadiwirya
Congressman Adam Smith, accompanied by his wife and district representative Andrew Hays, also attended the event. Congressman Smith praised the resilience of the Rwandan people in rebuilding their country following the tragedy of the 1994 genocide.
“It’s amazing how your society has rebuilt in the face of such an incredible tragedy, and it’s an inspiration to the world to see how much people can achieve when they come together,” said Congressman Smith.
Congressman Adam Smith
On behalf of genocide survivors in Washington, IBUKA President Philippe Rwinkusi expressed his gratitude for the City of Bellevue’s proclamation and vowed never to forget the gesture.
“It’s a major step for survivors, and we will never forget the commitment shown by Bellevue city leaders,” he said.
He added, “We also hope that our request to build a genocide memorial in honour of the victims in Bellevue will be considered.”
Carl Wilkens and wife Teresa Wilkens
Also present was renowned American author and humanitarian Carl Wilkens, founder of World Outside My Shoes, along with his wife. Wilkens, who shared his personal testimony, is known for his bravery during the 1994 genocide, having refused to evacuate even as Western nations were evacuating their citizens when the genocide intensified.
Andrew Ndayambaje, leader of the Rwandan Community Association in Washington, told KT Press:
“This moment presents a valuable opportunity for the Rwandan community and Rwanda’s friends to share experiences and lead conversations aimed at preventing genocide.”
He continued, “Young generations must stand firm against the rising tide of propaganda that seeks to drag Rwanda back into its darkest days.”
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, along with Governor Bob Ferguson and Senator Maria Cantwell, sent messages of solidarity and remembrance to those attending the 31st commemoration at Bellevue Presbyterian Church.
