EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA — Remains of at least 109 victims of the 1994 genocide were last week given a befitting burial at Gishari memorial site.

The ceremony scheduled to begin early morning was however derailed for hours due to heavy morning downpour. The site has been accommodating remains of 5,800 victims buried in the previous years. This brings the total to 5909.

The function was preceded by a memorial mass conducted by Father Didas Murinzi of Rwamagana parish. The remains had been recently recovered from Murambi, Nsinda and Nyarusange during preparations for the 14th genocide commemoration that ended on April 13.

Presiding over the ceremony the Vice President of the umbrella for genocide survivors (Ibuka) urged residents to foster the unity and discard genocide ideology. She urged those who participated in the genocide to come forward and reveal where unfounded were dumped so that they could get a decent burial. She also advised them to seek forgiveness from the grieved families as a way of promoting unity and reconciliation.

She also called on entire Rwandans to feel the plight of genocide survivors and help them to improve their standards of living.

Ildenfonse Rujonge a genocide survivor, from Murambi, Muhazi sector, narrated how he survived in what he called "the way forward to the cross."

"I saw Interahamwe burning Tutsis alive using petrol at Karayiga’s house," Rujonge recalled.

Alphonsine Murekatete, Rwamagana district vice Mayor in charge of social affairs challenged mourners to work for heroism and fight against genocide ideology. She urged residents to always commemorate the genocide as a way forward to prevent any further outbreak of genocide.

Murekatete warned residents who still harbour genocide ideology, saying the government would not tolerate anybody stuck with the vice. She urged resident to instead focus on development.

Ends