English Premier League leaders Arsenal on Friday, April 7, joined Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in commemorating the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which claimed over a million of lives in just 100 days. The club released a 51-second video on social media, featuring playmaker Emile Smith Rowe and midfielders Jorginho and Fábio Vieira all of whom shared messages of solidarity to Rwandans who began a week of mourning in honour of the Tutsi victims killed during the Genocide 29 years ago. “'Kwibuka’ means to 'Remember',” started Smith Rowe before Vieira added, “Each year, we stand together with Rwanda to remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.” “To honour the memory of more than one million lives lost and to pay tribute to the strengths and courage of the survivors,” Jorginho and Rowe added. ‘Kwibuka’ means ‘to remember’. Today we stand with Rwanda to mark the 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Remember. Unite. Renew. #Kwibuka29 pic.twitter.com/X28eS6DP46 — Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2023 The trio hailed Rwanda’s resilience and transformation during the last 29 years. “29 years after, Rwanda is a beacon of resilience, transformation and a testament of the enduring spirit of humanity,” the Arsenal trio noted. “We remember. Unite. Renew. Arsenal, at the end of the video, concluded asking all Gooners [Arsenal fans] to stand up against all forms of hate and discrimination.” READ ALSO: Rwanda becomes Arsenal’s first tourism partner Rwanda has been Arsenal’s official sleeve sponsor since 2018 in a partnership deal that allows the Visit Rwanda'' brand to be advertised on the shirts donned by English club's first team, under-23 and women team. As part of the Visit Rwanda deal, players from Arsenal men and women’s teams also visit the country, and their coaches host training camps to support the development of the game in the country.
