The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, has called upon the residents of Rubavu to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi by reflecting deeply on the nation's history and understanding the truth as a vital part of the renewal process. Minister Sebahizi made the remarks at the commemoration event held at Commune Rouge Genocide Memorial, on Wednesday, April 30, in Rubavu District, in the region formerly known as Gisenyi prefecture. ALSO READ: Genocide survivors call for memorial garden at Rubavu's Commune Rouge As we commemorate, we must reflect on the terrible and tragic history of our country, understand it fully, and move forward with renewal and development of the country, Sebahizi said, addressing Genocide survivors, families of victims, government officials, and other mourners. He emphasized that despite the painful nature of the Genocide that claimed more than one million lives, the truth must be acknowledged. It is our history, the history of our nation. Even though it is not a pleasant story, we must know the truth of what happened in the past. As we commemorate, and renew, we have to maintain the history, Sebahizi reiterated. Minister Bahizi further stressed the importance of preserving testimonies from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi for future generations. These testimonies must be preserved, in written and digital formats, because genocide survivors may not always be able to recount their experiences, he said. He also said that Belgium’s colonial policies had contributed to the Genocide. According to Prosper Mulindwa, the Mayor of Rubavu District, the region holds a unique significance due to its proximity to DR Congo where many Tutsi were killed as they fled for their lives into the neighbouring country. This area has its own unique history. Many Tutsi were killed here, including those who were born here, worked here, and those who were fleeing into the former Zaire, Mulindwa stated. “Again, many genocide killings were monitored from this area by the former regime.” ALSO READ: Rubavu survivors feel secure despite persistent genocide ideology in DR Congo Mediatrice Mukankusi, a Genocide survivor, recalled her ordeal 1994 while fleeing into DRCongo. She noted the shocking nature of sexual abuses that women were forced to endure. Mukankusi also noted the impact of genocide ideology and denial that are still propagated today, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to combat these issues. We remain deeply concerned by the ongoing dissemination of genocide ideology and denial messages even today, she said. “But we hold onto hope that there will never be genocide, especially with the Inkotanyi who saved us and continue to protect us from the enemy.
