Local artistes have added their voice in advocating for unity and reconciliation as the tool towards reconstruction of the country, ahead of the 15th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The artistes who include musicians, writers, actors and film makers yesterday formed a reconciliation forum where discussions relating to unity will be held with various stakeholders including the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC).

The function held at a local hotel in Kigali comes after NURC helped form various forums to include all actors in the process of national peace building.

Speaking to the artistes, Fatuma Ndangiza, NURC’s Executive Secretary highlighted the need to include this formerly marginalised group of Rwandans on the reconciliation team.

"Previously the importance of our local artistes has been under looked, but with their recent emancipation, we believe they have a role to play. When they organise a concert crowds turn up and it is important to use them in our campaign,” Ndangiza said. She promised on behalf of the commission to do everything possible to facilitate the artistes to make their contribution. 

"Where we can help financially we shall, but where we cannot, we shall play an advocacy role on your behalf at any possible forum where you can get support,” she said.

Edward Bamporiki, the brain behind the famous documentary (now a movie), long coat which claimed an award last November in New York as the best, shortest documentary, welcomed the move but highlighted more obstacles.

"We always encounter financial constraints when we embark on certain projects that not only benefit the government but also the general society. There is little or sometimes no funds at all,” Bamporiki told The New Times. He pointed out that it is not until artistes become famous that their work is noticed thus attracting attention.

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