As Rwanda marked the 30th anniversary of its 1994 genocide, President Paul Kagame faced scrutiny for his decision to attend a Champions League football match between Arsenal and Bayern Munich in North London. This visit coincided with a national period of mourning, during which Rwandan authorities had advised against celebratory and sporting events.

On April 9, the same week Rwanda remembered the over one million victims of its genocide, President Kagame was in the UK not only to watch the football match but also to visit Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at No. 10 Downing Street. This meeting, announced to civil servants with only a few days' notice, primarily focused on the controversial UK-Rwanda deportation deal, which involves sending asylum seekers to Kigali for processing.

Back in Rwanda, the national police's website had listed restrictions for the commemorative week, advising against activities such as sports competitions and public celebrations. Despite this, a government spokesperson later clarified that these restrictions were based on outdated guidelines and insisted that the current government policy did not prohibit such activities.

The president's decision to attend the football match has sparked debates both domestically and internationally. Opposition leader Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza criticized the mixed messages sent by the government's actions, highlighting the confusion it caused among Rwandans who are solemnly commemorating the genocide.

President Kagame, who has led Rwanda since 2000 and is known for his staunch support of Arsenal — evidenced by his frequent social media posts about the club — has previously faced criticism for his government's strict control over political expression and the suppression of opposition.

This incident has once again brought to light the complex dynamics of leadership and remembrance in Rwanda, as the country continues to navigate the delicate balance between honoring its past and moving forward.