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KIGALI - Rwandans on Sunday marked 30 years since a genocide orchestrated by Hutu extremists tore apart their country, as neighbours turned on each other in one of the bloodiest massacres of the 20th century.

The killing spree, which lasted 100 days before the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) rebel militia took Kigali in July 1994, claimed the lives of around 800,000 people, largely Tutsis but also moderate Hutus.

Sunday's events mark the start of a week of national mourning, with Rwanda effectively coming to a standstill and national flags flown at half-mast.

Music is not allowed in public places or on the radio, while sports events and movies are banned from TV broadcasts unless connected to what has been dubbed "Kwibuka (Remembrance) 30".

Below is a picture highlight on how events are unfolding in Kigali, Rwanda, all photos by AFP;

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President of Rwanda Paul Kagame (L) and his wife Jeannette Kagame (R) react in front of a wreath during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on April 7, 2024. 

(L - R) President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda Jeannette Kagame, President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, and First Lady of Ethiopia Zinash Tayachew react in front of a wreath during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

Former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy looks on as a member of the Rwandan Military Band carries a wreath during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

Former President of the United States Bill Clinton (L) and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa (R) talk during their arrival to the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina (2nd L), First Lady of Madagascar Mialy Rajoelina and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa look on as members of the Rwandan Military Band carry wreaths during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

People sit at the Kigali Arena stadium in Kigali on April 7, 2024, before the commemoration of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. (AFP Photos)

A Police officer stands next the Kigali Arena stadium in Kigali on April 7, 2024 for the commemoration of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

The Rwandan flag flies at half mast at the Kigali Arena stadium in Kigali on April 7, 2024 for the commemoration of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

A banner reading "Kwibuka" ("to remember") 30 in Kinyarwanda, is seen at the BK Arena stadium in Kigali on April 7, 2024 for the commemoration of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

General view of empty streets near the Kigali Arena stadium in Kigali on April 7, 2024 during the commemoration of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

A message reading "Kwibuka" ("to remember") 30 in Kinyarwanda, on a screen at the BK ArenaKigali Arena stadium in Kigali on April 7, 2024 for the commemoration of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. 

People seat at the Kigali Arena stadium in Kigali on April 7, 2024 before the commemoration of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

A member of the Rwanda Police stands guard at the Kigali Arena stadium in Kigali on April 7, 2024 during the commemoration of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

A screen at the Kigali arena stadium shows President of Rwanda Paul Kagame (C L) and his wife Jeannette Kagame (C R) as they light a remembrance flame surrounded by heads of state and other dignitaries as part of the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

President of Rwanda Paul Kagame delivers his speech during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the BK Arena in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

Members of the Rwandan Military Band play their instruments during the arrival of dignitaries to the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on April 7, 2024. 

Members of the Rwandan Military Band play their instruments during the arrival of dignitaries to the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

Dancers perform during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in Kigali on April 7, 2024. 

A performer sings during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

A performer sings during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

Dancers perform during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

Dancers perform during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in Kigali on April 7, 2024.

Dancers perform during the commemorations of the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in Kigali on April 7, 2024.