Twenty Years on from the Genocide, Rwandas Akagera National Park is Thriving

Twenty years on from the dark days of the genocide and Rwanda is thriving. The country has become a major tourist experience for both local Rwandans and international visitors interested in discovering its rich history and culture, and the spectacular wildlife at its three national parks, including Akagera National Park.

As Rwanda commemorates the 20th anniversary of its genocide on 7 April, African Parks joins the world in paying respects to the more than one million Rwandans who were killed during the dark days of 1994. At the same time, we are humbled by the opportunity we have had since 2010, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), to help inspire Rwandans about the future of their country through the restoration of Akagera National Park. The wildlife and ecosystem of Akagera was destroyed during and in the aftermath of the genocide and this included the extermination of lions that inhabited the park. Today Akagera National Park boasts more than 8,000 mammals, employs 220 Rwandans and is planning to re-introduce lions later this year.

"The restoration of Akagera is an achievement in which all Rwandans can take pride and the re-introduction of lions will mark another step forward in advancing the conservation and tourism offerings at the park, to the benefit of all Rwandans,” said African Parks CEO, Peter Fearnhead.