On 20th November 2025, The Kigali Genocide Memorial welcomed Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, together with his delegation including Elisabeth Degryse, Minister President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, for a solemn visit to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
While there, the officials toured the memorial’s displays detailing the origins, lived experience, and aftermath of the Genocide, along with Rwanda’s extraordinary path of reconciliation and national renewal over the past 31 years.
At the conclusion of his visit, Maxime Prévot shared a powerful message in French which translates:
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Belgium, I once again bow in respects to the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 in Rwanda. The visit to this memorial is a chilling reminder of the events that deeply wounded our shared humanity. It is our collective duty to ensure that such atrocities never happen again neither in this region nor anywhere else in the world. Belgium will continue this commitment with determination. The fight against denial is part of this, as is the prosecution in Belgium of those responsible for these crimes, for which no impunity is acceptable. I salute the resilience of the Rwandan people, who have overcome this tragedy to build a present and a future based on reconciliation, dignity, and development.” – Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium
Ms. Elisabeth Degryse also left a heartfelt message in French, which translates:
“On behalf of the Government of the Wallonia–Brussels Federation, first of all an enormous thank you for this visit. A suspended moment of reflection on the history of the Rwandan people. This memorial is essential for the duty of passing on memory and respect. Your resilience and your ability to rebuild unity must serve as a model for all our societies.” – Ms. Elisabeth Degryse, Minister President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
The visit by Belgium’s high-level delegation underscores the global responsibility to preserve memory, confront denial, and uphold justice. Their reflections reaffirm the importance of continued partnership in ensuring that remembrance leads to meaningful action, so that the tragedies of the past are never repeated, and future generations grow in a world shaped by dignity, truth, and peace.
Pictures from the visit can be viewed here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/142016030@N02/albums/72177720330522483/
