English Premier League side Arsenal has joined Rwandans in commemorating the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a tragic event that claimed over one million lives.
Through a message shared on its official social media accounts on Monday, April 7, the London-based club expressed its solidarity with the people of Rwanda. “Kwibuka means ‘to remember.’ Today we mark the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda,” the club posted.
Arsenal is one of several prominent European football teams that have partnered with Rwanda through the “Visit Rwanda” campaign. Others include Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
The club’s involvement goes beyond digital tributes. Over the years, Arsenal players and officials have visited Rwanda, touring memorial sites and engaging with the country’s history.
One such visit was in 2023 when Dutch international Jurrien Timber toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Reflecting on the emotional experience, Timber encouraged young Rwandans to honour their loved ones while focusing on shaping a hopeful future.
“I urge young Rwandan players to not only remember their loved ones but also work hard, chase their dreams, and help build the nation,” he said during the visit.
The annual Kwibuka commemoration is a period of national reflection in Rwanda, dedicated to remembering the victims of the genocide and reaffirming the country’s commitment to unity, reconciliation, and progress.
