Business leaders in Eastern Province have been urged to use their economic influence to promote unity and national development, drawing lessons from history that wealth and business power must never again be used to fuel division and violence, as happened during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The call was made during a commemoration at Nyakarambi Genocide Memorial in Kirehe District on Friday, June 5.
"We learn from the mistakes of some business people who used their resources to destroy our country," said Laurien Benedata, president of the Private Sector Federation in Eastern Province.
"Our responsibility today is to use our resources to strengthen Rwanda and contribute to its development," he added.
Benedata said the private sector has a unique responsibility to ensure that business and wealth creation contribute to national progress, unity and the well-being of citizens.
He noted that the genocide was not carried out by political leaders and militias alone, but was also facilitated by some individuals who used financial resources, transport networks and commercial influence to support the killings.
Eastern Province's Executive Secretary Jeanne Nyirahabimana said Rwanda's recovery and transformation over the last three decades demonstrates the positive role businesses can play when aligned with national priorities.
"Today we see a peaceful Rwanda with a clear vision and visible infrastructure. The private sector contributes significantly through investment, job creation and taxes that support public services and development projects," she said.
Representatives of Ibuka, the umbrella organisation of genocide survivors, said commemoration should also serve as a reminder of how genocide ideology develops and spreads over time.
"The genocide did not happen suddenly. It was prepared through hate speech, discrimination, exclusion and persecution before the killings began," said Monfort Mujyambere of Ibuka.
He called on businesses to support efforts to preserve the history of the genocide, particularly through documenting testimonies of elderly survivors.
During the commemoration, PSF highlighted its contribution to supporting survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The federation said it has invested Rwf111.9 million in survivor welfare initiatives across Eastern Province, including housing, health insurance and livestock support.
Lessons from history
Speakers said the genocide demonstrated how wealth and business can become instruments of destruction.
During the genocide, some businessmen influenced by the extremist Hutu Power ideology provided financial support, fuel, transport, equipment and logistical assistance used in attacks against Tutsi.
Among the cases cited was Anaclet Ruhumuriza, a trader from Kabarondo who was accused of helping compile lists of Tutsi targeted for killing and organising attacks at churches, health centres and other locations. He was later sentenced to 24 years in prison by Gacaca courts.
Speakers also referenced Thomas Kanyangoga and his son Eduard Udahemuka of Kayonza, who were accused of supplying weapons to militias and participating in attacks on sites where Tutsi had sought refuge. Kanyangoga was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Gacaca court in Gahini.
Another businessman, Gacumbitsi, was convicted for his role in killings at Gahini Hospital and received a life sentence.
Participants said such cases highlight the importance of ensuring that wealth and economic influence are used to promote peace, development and national unity rather than division and violence.