Players, coaches, football officials, and members of Kiyovu Sports gathered on Monday afternoon to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi during a memorial event held in Kigali.
Participants were taken through the history that led to the genocide, which claimed the lives of more than one million people. They later laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence at graves where over 250,000 victims are buried, paying tribute and restoring dignity to those who were killed.
The event was attended by several leaders, including Shema Ngoga Fabrice, who said Rwanda’s football federation stands with Kiyovu Sports and all Rwandans in remembering the victims.
“Today we remember our loved ones and all Rwandans who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially members and supporters of Kiyovu Sports. We are committed to ensuring that genocide never happens again, and every one of us has a role to play,” he said.
Ngoga emphasized that unity remains one of FERWAFA’s core values in building Rwanda’s future while remembering the country’s painful history. He also revealed that one of his uncles, who served as a leader within Kiyovu Sports, was killed during the genocide, adding that his grandfather was among the club’s founders according to information he has gathered.
FERWAFA also announced plans to strengthen genocide education within sports institutions and expressed interest in creating a memorial site dedicated to athletes and sports figures killed during the genocide.
The ceremony also paid tribute to former Kiyovu Sports players and members who lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
