As Rwanda continues the 100 days of commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Ibuka, the organization for genocide survivors, held a memorial mass to honour the lives of 15,593 families that were completely wiped out during the atrocities. The commemorative mass held on May 23 at Kibungo Cathedral, in Ngoma District, brought together Ibuka members, Christians, area residents, and government officials. Deep reverence, prayer, and reflection marked the mass, as candles were lit in memory of the families lost, a symbolic act affirming that although their voices were silenced, their light endures. Philbert Gakwenzire, the President of Ibuka, emphasized the significance of remembering these families who left no descendants. “The fact that entire families were wiped out is undeniable proof of the genocidal intent to erase every Tutsi, ensuring that no one would be left to tell the story,” he said. “This commemoration serves as a reminder of that truth and our duty to preserve their memory.” ALSO READ: Wiped out families:The case of the Mbwaga’s Gakwenzire also spoke about the role of faith and unity in rebuilding the country. “Rwanda’s history must be our guiding light. As Christians, our faith should not only be confined to church but also be evident in how we live in peace, compassion, and unity. We must pray not only for those who perished but also for ourselves and for our leaders who continue to uphold peace in our country.” ALSO READ: Genocide survivors on why they commemorate wiped out families The Governor of Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, reiterated the gravity of the loss, stating, “The complete extermination of nearly 16,000 families is undeniable evidence of the evil plan behind the Genocide against the Tutsi to eliminate every single Tutsi, so that no one would survive to tell their story.” Today’s Rwanda is a nation that chose unity and peace over division, he said. “We must not tolerate any resurgence of genocide ideology or threats to survivors. Our shared responsibility is to preserve the progress we’ve made.” ALSO READ: Genocide: Most of the wiped out families were from ‘Zone Turquoise’ Bishop Jean-Marie Vianney Twagirayezu of Kibungo Diocese led the mass, offering words of comfort drawn from the scripture: “We believe our loved ones are with Christ.” He reminded the congregation that love is the legacy entrusted to humanity by Jesus Christ. “We are called to reject anything that leads to death and destruction and instead promote unity, love, and peace.” The main commemoration event is scheduled for May 31, in Ngoma District, to continue honouring the families that were completely wiped out during the 1994 Genocide.
