Gates laid wreaths at the graves of genocide victims as a gesture of respect and solidarity with Rwandans in preserving the memory of the genocide and honouring those who were killed.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Gates was briefed on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, including how it was planned and carried out, its devastating impact on Rwanda and the country’s efforts to rebuild after the tragedy.

He toured different sections of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, including exhibitions documenting the history of hatred and discrimination that led to the genocide, testimonies from survivors and a section dedicated to children killed during the genocide.

“Today, we welcomed Bill Gates to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and laid wreaths at the graves of the victims,” the Kigali Genocide Memorial said in a statement.

The visit gave Gates an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the genocide on Rwanda and its people, while also witnessing the progress the country has made in promoting unity, rebuilding what was destroyed and advancing national development.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi is one of Rwanda’s key sites preserving the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi. It is among four genocide memorial sites — alongside Murambi in Nyamagabe, Bisesero in Karongi and Nyamata in Bugesera — that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gates is in Rwanda on a visit that includes engagements in the health and technology sectors. He has visited TKMD, a syringe manufacturing plant in Rwamagana District, Mwulire Health Centre and community health workers to learn how Rwanda has advanced primary healthcare and developed local manufacturing of medical supplies.