Against the breathtaking backdrop of the mist-shrouded volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif, Rwanda marked a major milestone in global wildlife conservation on September 4, 2026. The nation hosted its prestigious 21st Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, officially naming 22 newborn mountain gorillas. The vibrant annual event drew a large gathering of local community members, international conservationists, global partners, tourism leaders, and distinguished guests from across Rwanda and around the world to celebrate the remarkable recovery of the country’s mountain gorilla population and the enduring success of its community-centered conservation model.
The high-profile ceremony was graced by the Rt. Hon. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, who attended as the Guest of Honour. He was joined by an array of prominent international dignitaries, including His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, the Former President of Botswana; His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn, the Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; and the Rt. Hon. Peter Pinda Mazengo, the Former Prime Minister of Tanzania. Their presence underscored the regional and international significance of Rwanda’s conservation triumphs and the growing collaborative spirit required to protect endangered species across borders.
Held under the powerful guiding theme, “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” this year’s edition of Kwita Izina brought together a diverse group of esteemed namers. Figures representing the fields of wildlife conservation, international tourism, global commerce, sports, entertainment, philanthropy, and public service were given the distinct honor of bestowing names upon the infant gorillas. The event served as a resounding reaffirmation of Rwanda’s unwavering national commitment to safeguarding its rich natural heritage while simultaneously advancing sustainable, long-term environmental conservation practices.
Delivering the keynote address at the foot of the dramatic volcanic range, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva reflected on the incredible trajectory of mountain gorilla conservation over the past several decades. He drew a sharp and inspiring contrast between the perilous state of the species in the twentieth century and the hopeful reality of today, highlighting how dedicated human intervention rescued an entire population from the brink of extinction.
“In the early 1980s, there were only about 250 mountain gorillas left in the Virunga Massif,” Prime Minister Nsengiyumva told the attentive audience. “Today, there are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas in the world, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif. This remarkable recovery did not happen by chance. It was built through the persistence of rangers, the expertise of veterinarians and researchers, strong conservation policy, responsible tourism, and the recognition that no single actor could do this job alone.”
The Prime Minister further emphasized that modern conservation cannot exist in a vacuum, noting the intrinsic link between ecological protection and human prosperity. He stressed that protecting nature cannot be successfully separated from improving the daily lives of the communities living adjacent to the national parks, just as localized national conservation efforts rely heavily on robust international cooperation and cross-border partnerships.
Building upon the Prime Minister’s remarks, Jean-Guy Afrika, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, took to the stage to emphasize that the ongoing success of gorilla conservation is an ongoing journey that demands perpetual vigilance and unwavering cooperation. He pointed out that the survival and growth of the mountain gorilla population stand as a living testament to what can be achieved when nations, institutions, and local populations unite around a common goal.
“The mountain gorilla demonstrates what sustained commitment, strong institutions, community partnership and international partnerships can achieve,” Mr. Afrika said during his address. “This is an extraordinary conservation achievement, but it is also a reminder that our work must continue.”
The cultural roots of the celebration run deep. Kwita Izina, which literally translates to “to give a name” in the Kinyarwanda language, is inspired by a centuries-old Rwandan tradition wherein families gather to name their children shortly after birth. By adapting this intimate cultural practice for the country’s endangered mountain gorillas, Rwanda has transformed wildlife conservation into a deeply personal and national celebration.
Since it was officially launched as an annual national event in 2005, Kwita Izina has evolved into a premier international platform. It serves not only to celebrate Rwanda’s unparalleled conservation achievements but also to formally recognize and honor the local communities, park rangers, trackers, and conservation partners who dedicate their lives to protecting mountain gorillas and their fragile natural forest habitats. With the addition of the 22 baby gorillas named during the 2026 ceremony, the total number of infant gorillas officially named through Kwita Izina since 2005 has reached an impressive milestone of 460.
As the celebrations concluded at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, the event left an indelible mark on participants and observers alike, reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a global leader in sustainable tourism and wildlife protection. The newly named gorillas now rejoin their families in the lush, high-altitude forests of the Virunga Massif, carrying forward the hope of a sustainable future forged through decades of collective dedication, community empowerment, and visionary leadership.
