Rwamagana residents have committed to eradicating genocide ideology in their district ahead of the 24th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. The pledge was made during a community service (Umuganda) held at the Genocide memorial site in Munyaga sector, which borders the districts of Ngoma and Kayonza. Local authorities reminded residents that the commemoration period is an ideal time to tackle genocide ideology. “It should be our goal to end cases of Genocide ideology in our district; it should bring shame to each one of us if anyone among us still harbours such toxic ideology,” said mayor Rajab Mbonyumuvunyi. Senator Jean Népo Sindikubwabo, who headed a delegation of senators to the community work, told residents that genocide ideology is declining countrywide which is a sign that Rwanda is achieving its goal of reconciliation. “Genocide ideology has previously destroyed our country. We need to talk about our tragic history to prevent it from destroying the country again,” he said. Senator Sindikubwabo also said the country is still in the process towards proper management of trauma. Alphonse Bikorimana, 38 a resident in Rweru cell, Munyaga sector, hopes the commemorating period will see eradication of genocide ideology. “Commemorating is a way to prevent what happened so it will not happen again in the future. Anyone who still espouses Genocide ideology or denial will never succeed in this area, we shall desist it because it does not help us or the country,” he added. The community service was attended by five senators, Rwamagana district officials, and Munyaga sector residents and neighbours. The senatorial delegation included Jean Népo Sindikubwabo, Peline Mukankusi, Zephilin Kalimba, Gertrude Kazarwa, and Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo. Vestine Nyirangendahimana, 48, another resident in Munyaga sector, says their first responsibility in the fight against genocide ideology is interactions among community members. “Our children will need to participate in community interactions to learn history, to understand why such tragedy happened and be able to prevent such history from repeating itself. To prevent genocide ideology, we will get to know and understand each other,” said Nyirangendahimana. Nyirangendahimana also believes that the commemoration activities over the years have significantly contributed toward the reconciliation in Rwandan community in the aftermath of the Genocide against Tutsi in 1994. John Baptist Munyaneza, the head of Ibuka in the district, urged residents to be active in commemoration efforts. Ibuka is the umbrella of Genocide survivors. “Nobody wishes to go back to the darkness we have emerged from, now we are in a better place,” he said. Participants also discussed hygiene, tax compliance, health insurance, and fight against malnutrition, among other issues. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
