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Rwanda Genocide Commemoration 18th Anniversary

Tony Blair, Founder and Patron of the Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative, joins Rwanda in commemorating the 18th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, as part of an annual mourning week to remember the hundreds of thousands of Rwandans who lost their lives in 1994:

I would like to join the Rwandan people during the Genocide Commemoration as we all remember the hundreds of thousands of Rwandans who were lost 18 years ago.

I extend my deepest sympathy to those who lost their relatives, friends and loved ones during these terrible events.

Now, as we remember those who have gone and the memories of those who survived, we have to think ahead to the next generation of Rwandans.

Young people growing up in Rwanda today have a new and hopeful story to tell as they remember the history of their country.

Today’s young Rwandans can expect grow up healthy, go to school and get a job afterwards - a dramatic shift from the generation before.

Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda, in many respects, leads Africa today. Lifting one million people out of poverty over the last five years is an amazing feat by any global standard.

I am proud to continue to support the people of Rwanda, working with President Kagame through the Africa Governance Initiative, which I set up shortly after leaving office.

My team on the ground are supporting Rwanda in the next phase of its story, working with the next generation of Rwandan public servants to drive progress on this extraordinary country’s priorities.

So I look forward to the next stage of Rwanda’s development journey and continuing to work with the young people who are shaping Rwanda’s bright future.