On April 27, 2024, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) held a commemoration event to mark the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The ceremony took place at RAB’s headquarters in Rubona, Huye District, Southern Province. It aimed to honor the memory of employees from former institutions that were later merged into RAB—namely the Institute of Agricultural and Animal Resources Research (ISAR), the Selected Seeds Service (SSS), the National Veterinary Laboratory (LVNR), and the Center for Artificial Insemination (CNIA)—who were killed during the Genocide.

The commemoration was preceded by a night vigil on April 26 at the Rubona Genocide Memorial located within the headquarters’ premises. During the vigil, attendees reflected on the moral responsibilities that must guide intellectuals and professionals. A key message shared was: “Knowledge without humanity destroys the masses,” underscoring the dangers of knowledge that is not rooted in empathy and human values.

In his remarks, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, the Director-General of RAB, expressed deep sorrow over the losses the institution suffered during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He noted that the tragedy created a significant void at RAB—not only through the loss of skilled staff and experts in various fields, but also through the destruction of infrastructure, which severely hindered agricultural and livestock research efforts in Rwanda.

Dr. Ndabamenye extended heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of Rwanda, under His Excellency President Paul Kagame, for establishing an environment that allows survivors and institutions to remember and honor the victims annually. He emphasized the importance of continuing to condemn the actions of those who participated in the planning, execution, denial, and minimization of the Genocide. He further praised national efforts such as the Ndumunyarwanda program and the promotion of accountability, which have played a key role in fostering unity, healing, and institutional rebuilding.

This year’s commemoration honored 228 former staff members who were killed during the Genocide. These included 205 who had worked for ISAR, 11 from SSS, 10 from LVNR, and 2 from CNIA. Many of these individuals were among those who had sought refuge at ISAR during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, believing it to be a sanctuary due to its association with knowledge and research. Tragically, many were killed at or around the Rubona site.

The ceremony concluded with a solemn wreath-laying at the Rubona Genocide Memorial, where several victims are buried. This act of remembrance not only honored the lives lost but also reinforced RAB’s ongoing commitment to remembrance, resilience, and national development.