The management and staff of BPR Bank Rwanda on April 14 commemorated 33 former Banque Populaire du Rwanda staff who lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event began with a reading of the names of the victims at the bank's Monument of Memory located at the head office in Kigali, to pay tribute to their memory.
The participants also visited the Nyanza-Kicukiro Genocide Memorial Centre, laid wreaths to honour the Tutsi laid there, and attended discussions on contributing towards the development and growth of the Rwandan community in light of its history under the theme "remember, unite, renew".
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda, Patience Mutesi said, "BPR Bank Rwanda stands with all Rwandans in solidarity to remember, unite and renew. We remain committed to rebuilding our communities as we sow the seeds of stronger and more resilient future generations.”
She added: "As we gather here today, we must remember that we have a responsibility to honour the legacy of those who lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and ensure that we never forget the atrocities that were committed. It is our obligation to work towards a future where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, religion, and especially ethnicity.”
At the event, BPR Bank staff and management listened to a testimony from a Genocide survivor and learned about the history of Rwanda from the pre-colonial era to present day.
They also planted a tree in the "forest of memory" at the memorial center as a symbol of eternal life after the genocide, and to reinforce the message of "Never Again".
In addition, BPR Bank Rwanda donated Rwf 10 million to the Nyanza-Kicukiro Genocide Memorial Centre for the maintenance of the "forest of memory”, in addition to their previous contributions towards various community development initiatives.
Mutesi expressed gratitude to the leadership of the memorial center for the opportunity to plant a tree, and pledged continued support from the bank.
She also encouraged the bank staff to prioritize unity and reconciliation, and to work together with love to promote a harmonious community.
Louis de Montfort Mujyambere, Vice President of Ibuka, the national umbrella organization of Genocide survivors, was the guest of honor at the event.
He emphasized the importance of commemorating the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi as a way of honouring and giving them value that was taken from them, and learning from the past to build a better future.
Mujyambere expressed gratitude towards BPR for their support of the memorial site and their grant, noting that some of their former clients were also victims of the Genocide.
Furthermore, he thanked the ruling party RPF Inkotanyi for stopping the Genocide and leading the development of Rwanda, and urged participants to work together in unity.