Reconciliation requires collective efforts

Editor RE: “Over 160 Genocide perpetrators in Bugesera reconcile with survivors” (The New Times, January 9). What an interesting and totally welcome approach by all of the people, and the Catholic Church! That this programme was initiated in 2008, and although it is at a slow uptake, it is a welcome effort nonetheless. When you compare with the government-led initiatives such as Ndi Umunyarwanda, you come to a realisation that reconciliation programmes are a collective effort between government, religious organisations, together with other actors. This way, the government focuses on personal identity issues, while religion focuses on matters of the heart. I would hope the reconciliation commission would support the Church with this heart-healing programme and complement the Ndi Umunyarwanda drive. The reconciliation commission should also encourage other religious organizations, including Islam, to develop such programmes within their set-ups. Both government and religious parties’ efforts are complementary and well needed. Kigali Girl

Opinions

Reconciliation requires collective efforts