Members of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in Eastern Province have committed to expanding support for survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, as Rwanda continues to observe the 31st commemoration of the tragic history. PSF representatives announced new pledges during a commemoration event held at Musha Genocide Memorial in Rwamagana on Saturday, June 21. The memorial, one of 11 in Rwamagana District, is the resting place for more than 23,000 Genocide victims. ALSO READ: Kwibuka31: Rwamagana remembers heroic resistance tragic massacre on Mwulire Hill PSF Chairperson in Eastern Province, Jean de Dieu Nkurunziza said their support to survivors exceeded Rwf200 million, which included livestock, over the past three years. He said PSF would continue to provide support in the form of livestock to survivors to boost food security and generate income. ALSO READ: April 14-15, 1994: Kibungo's darkest days during Genocide against the Tutsi The commemoration in Musha brought together Eastern Province leaders, survivors, and private sector representatives to reflect on the tragic history of Musha and Rwanda's post-Genocide reconstruction. During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Musha, an area surrounded by Lake Muhazi, left many with no escape route as Interahamwe militias, armed with traditional weapons, launched a brutal assault that wiped out thousands of innocent lives. Different speakers at the event noted that some businesspeople participated in the 1994 genocide while emphasizing the need for transformation. Some traders funded atrocities against the Tutsi. That dark past must never repeat itself, Laurent Ndagijimana, a member of the Private Sector Federation, stated. Today, we are agents of positive change. We must build an economy that creates opportunities at the grassroots and integrates survivors into development activities. Governor Rubingisa commended the PSF's role in national development and called for more inclusive growth. Our GDP is rising, infrastructure is booming, and your efforts are crucial for the country's continued growth, said Rubingisa. But we must ensure that development leaves no one behind—especially Genocide survivors. We pledge our partnership with you to enhance the lives of the survivors. Marie Jeanne Uwiringiyimana, a survivor from Rambura Village in Fumbwe Sector whose house was renovated recently, said she was thankful for the support. The roof leaked and the walls looked like they could collapse at any moment, Uwiringiyimana said. But now, with this new house, I can finally sleep peacefully, knowing that I'm safe. Didas Ndindabahizi, a representative of the Genocide survivors' organisation Ibuka, urged businesspeople to expand their involvement in the support for survivors. He called on businesses to support the identification and burial of still-missing victims' remains, address ongoing housing needs, and lead campaigns against genocide ideology, particularly among the youth. Ndindabahizi thanked the RPA forces for halting the Genocide and laying the groundwork for national recovery. ALSO READ: I pretended to be dead until RPA arrived and rescued me: Genocide survivor Governor Rubingisa addressed the issue of genocide denial, particularly among Rwandan communities abroad. Those who continue to deny the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi must confront the truth and ask for forgiveness, he said. We must build this nation together—in unity, not in division. He also noted that refugee camps in Gatsibo and Kirehe districts are largely inhabited by the Tutsi who fled genocide ideology and killings in eastern DR Congo. Our duty to fight this ideology is not limited by geography. It is a regional and global responsibility, he said.
