On this 07th April 2018, IPRC Musanze joined Musanze district to commence the 24th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against The Tutsi. The event started with a “Walk to Remember” from Muhoza sector (Musanze downtown) towards Muhoza Genocide Memorial Site where citizens paid tribute to over 800 victims who were killed at the former Appeals Court’s Chambers in the former Ruhengeri Prefecture and neighbouring areas. 

In testimonies shared, the president of Ibuka in Musanze district, Pierre RWASIBO, said that the lives of Genocide survivors are getting better with a support from the Government of Unity through different approaches that enhance their social welfare. However, he mentioned a problem of the Genocide memorial sites of Kinigi and Musanze that are not well built and maintained to meet modern standards. He called upon the district to maintain them as they hold the history of the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi in the Northern Province. He explained that the Genocide memorials are a cornerstone in fighting against Genocide denial as they portray the real history of the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Musanze district, Jean Damascène HABYARIMANA, promised Ibuka in Musanze district the renovation of the Genocide memorial sites in Musanze. He said that the district has planned to allocate some budget for the construction of memorial sites, next fiscal year, to preserve the history. He stated that the construction of Genocide memorials is among the key priorities for the 2018/19 fiscal year.

The shared testimonies highlighted the way Genocide against Tutsi was not just about killing; victims were massacred through the harshest torture and thrown to anywhere. In her testimonies, Julienne MUKAGAKWAYA, a 61 Genocide survivor, shared with the public a long horrible life she went through, until when she was rescued by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA). She thanked RPA for stopping the Genocide and liberating the country. Besides, she expressed her gratitude to the government for the unceasing support to Genocide survivors to ensure their wellbeing. 

This year, the 24th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi is under the theme of “Remember, Unite, and Renew.” It embraces the country’s determination to “Never Again” and to Unity and Reconciliation. The Commemoration Week starts from the 7thApril, and ends on the13thApril, but the commemoration period goes on within 100 days.

A Walk to Remember from Muhoza sector to Muhoza Genocide Memorial Site 

The Principal paying tribute to victims of 1994 Genocide against Tutsi  

Officials were present

By Protais NIYONSHIMA  

On this 07th April 2018, IPRC Musanze joined Musanze district to commence the 24th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against The Tutsi. The event started with a “Walk to Remember” from Muhoza sector (Musanze downtown) towards Muhoza Genocide Memorial Site where citizens paid tribute to over 800 victims who were killed at the former Appeals Court’s Chambers in the former Ruhengeri Prefecture and neighbouring areas. 

In testimonies shared, the president of Ibuka in Musanze district, Pierre RWASIBO, said that the lives of Genocide survivors are getting better with a support from the Government of Unity through different approaches that enhance their social welfare. However, he mentioned a problem of the Genocide memorial sites of Kinigi and Musanze that are not well built and maintained to meet modern standards. He called upon the district to maintain them as they hold the history of the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi in the Northern Province. He explained that the Genocide memorials are a cornerstone in fighting against Genocide denial as they portray the real history of the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Musanze district, Jean Damascène HABYARIMANA, promised Ibuka in Musanze district the renovation of the Genocide memorial sites in Musanze. He said that the district has planned to allocate some budget for the construction of memorial sites, next fiscal year, to preserve the history. He stated that the construction of Genocide memorials is among the key priorities for the 2018/19 fiscal year.

The shared testimonies highlighted the way Genocide against Tutsi was not just about killing; victims were massacred through the harshest torture and thrown to anywhere. In her testimonies, Julienne MUKAGAKWAYA, a 61 Genocide survivor, shared with the public a long horrible life she went through, until when she was rescued by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA). She thanked RPA for stopping the Genocide and liberating the country. Besides, she expressed her gratitude to the government for the unceasing support to Genocide survivors to ensure their wellbeing. 

This year, the 24th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi is under the theme of “Remember, Unite, and Renew.” It embraces the country’s determination to “Never Again” and to Unity and Reconciliation. The Commemoration Week starts from the 7thApril, and ends on the13thApril, but the commemoration period goes on within 100 days.

A Walk to Remember from Muhoza sector to Muhoza Genocide Memorial Site 

The Principal paying tribute to victims of 1994 Genocide against Tutsi  

Officials were present

By Protais NIYONSHIMA