Buffalo State University Hosts Kwibuka 31

Buffalo State University hosts Kwibuka 31, the annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, on Saturday May 10th with over 200 regional Rwandans. Kwibuka 31 is both a solemn and inspiring event where Rwandans from around the globe come together to ‘Remember. Unite. Renew.’

The event began with a moment of silence and a light of hope ceremony, where attendees collectively ignited candles placed at their tables — a quiet, powerful tribute to remembrance and resilience. The evening continued with welcoming remarks from local leaders, who shared heartfelt reflections on how the presence of the Rwandan community has enriched Buffalo in profound ways. The program featured a deeply personal testimony by musical artist and genocide survivor Dieudonné Munyenshoza, whose story set the tone for a thoughtful panel discussion featuring SUNY Distinguished Service Professors, Drew Kahn and Aimable Twagilimana, and Pastor Alexis Nkurunziza. The event was further elevated with a message of hope, unity, and healing from the Rwandan Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana. The evening concluded with Rwandan cuisine and a performance by Dieudonné, joined by the El-Shaddai Choir and Kingdom Workshop Team.

Buffalo State University is proud to had hosted this year’s Kwibuka 31. We are honored to had authentically engaged with this important Rwandan ritual.