The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascène Bizimana, has urged Rwandans to embrace love and unity and shun divisions that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Bizimana said this during a commemoration event held on Sunday, May 18, at Bigogwe Genocide Memorial, in Rubavu District.

Bizimana said that Tutsi atrocities were carried out in the Bigogwe area in the lead-up to and during the Genocide.

He emphasised the need to learn from the country’s tragic history and prevent such tragedies from happening again.

"Let us continue to instill love and unity in our children and build a nation free from divisionism," the minister stated.

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Reflecting on the atrocities of Bigogwe, using historical writings and personal experiences, Bizimana said killings of Tutsi began as early as 1991 and that President Juvenal Habyarimana knew what was happening.

"These gradual killings of Tutsi were carried out in this region and reports were immediately sent to President Habyarimana,” said Bizimana. "It shows the direct involvement by the former regime in the killings of the Tutsi population."

The minister also highlighted how the former Gisenyi Prefecture has a unique history, with many high-ranking military officers and government officials in the genocidal regime, including President Habyarimana, having been born in the region.

"Bigogwe was part of Gisenyi, a region where the Genocide was tested. Its roots lie in the bad governance back then,” he added. "The Genocide was possible because of that poor leadership."

The Bigogwe area encompasses the former Mutura and Rwerere Communes, where Tutsi killings were largely perpetrated by commando soldiers from Bigogwe military barracks.

The commemoration ceremony was held days after the Bigowe Genocide Memorial was renovated.

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The remains of five genocide victims were given a decent burial, joining another 9,042 victims already laid to rest in the memorial.

Clemance Mukakaliza, and Placidia Mutoni, who mourned their loved ones, expressed their gratitude for the newly renovated memorial, which honors Genocide victims.

"We thank Rubavu District for this new Genocide memorial where ours loved ones have now been given a dignified burial,” said Mutoni.

"It is good that they lie now in their final resting place," said Mukakaliza.