Reportage Properties pays tribute to Genocide victims, roots for unity

In a visit marked by reflection and remembrance, Reportage Properties Rwanda on April 10 honoured victims at Nyanza Genocide Memorial, confronting the painful history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and reaffirming the role of unity and truth in shaping Rwanda’s future. The memorial is the final resting place for more than 105,000 victims, according to guides. Among them are over 3,000 people who were killed at the site after being abandoned by the UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) at ETO Kicukiro – an enduring symbol of the failures of the international community. The site also holds remains brought from across Kicukiro District. The delegation, composed of members from diverse backgrounds, was taken through the history leading up to the Genocide against the Tutsi, including the socio-political forces that fuelled division and violence. The visit offered a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred and intolerance, and the importance of promoting unity, peace, and reconciliation. During the visit, the team laid wreaths at the mass graves before touring the Garden of Memory, a space symbolising renewal and resilience after the 100 days of killings. The company also made a donation to support the country’s reconstruction journey. Bharat Parmer, CEO of Reportage Properties Rwanda, described the experience as deeply troubling, observing that the cruelty reflected in the country’s history. “There is a noticeable decline in humanity in today’s world, with diminishing respect for one another. It is essential that we place greater value on mutual respect and continue to uphold the belief in a peaceful world,” he stated He further emphasised the importance of such visits, particularly for younger generations, noting that this marked the company’s second memorial visit following the Kigali Genocide Memorial. He highlighted that honouring victims is a key part of the organisation’s commitment and expressed the intention to make it an annual activity. “We have a large team, the majority of whom are Rwandan. Our goal is to support their growth while growing alongside them,” he said, underscoring the significance of integration and shared progress. “We are here to contribute to building Rwanda together. That remains our focus. We are committed to staying, and our team will continue to grow with us throughout this journey,” he added. A space for memory and learning At the Garden of Memory, the delegation learned that the site serves as a bridge between past, present, and future—a place for remembrance, education, and preserving stories of survival and resilience. One of its most striking features is the presence of more than one million stones, each representing a life lost during the Genocide. Other symbolic elements include the Stone of Eternal Memory, a rose window representing the abandonment of Tutsi at ETO Kicukiro, and landscapes such as terraces, forests, and meditation spaces that reflect both loss and resilience. Ongoing discoveries remain a concern For members of the delegation, the visit was both educational and deeply emotional. Sumaya Usanase, a 23-year-old employee, said the experience—particularly the Garden of Memory—serves as a powerful lesson for young people. “The continued discovery of remains is something that still shocks me,” she said. “It’s deeply disturbing, especially when combined with denial on social media from extremists, which is alarming.” “It has been 32 years, yet people are still distorting information, claiming that people killed each other. That is not true. Hutu killed Tutsi. This should be made clear,” she added. Usanase underscored the need for accurate documentation and truthful narratives, warning against oversimplified accounts that diminish the gravity of the Genocide. She pointed to political narratives, particularly infamous phrases such as “the glass is full,” which the former regime used to deny Tutsi in exile the right to return home, and “Tutsi should go back to Ethiopia,” implying they had no right to live in Rwanda. “Political narratives like these need to be accompanied by factual context, because many perpetrators used such hateful language, which had deadly consequences that persist to this day, she daid. This is a call to action, especially for the youth, because we are the ones responsible for preserving what has been achieved. A first encounter with Rwanda’s history For Pooja Pratik Thakkar, an Indian national working for the same company and a first-time visitor to the memorial, the experience was equally moving. “It’s a very heartbreaking history. They suffered so much. I feel deeply saddened hearing about their loss. Losing people at such a young age is especially tragic, because that age represents the future,” she said. She noted that the continued grief, even after 32 years, highlights the magnitude of the tragedy and the lasting impact on survivors and the nation. As Rwanda continues its journey of remembrance and rebuilding, such visits serve not only as acts of tribute, but also as reminders of the responsibility to uphold truth, unity, and humanity – ensuring that the lessons of history not forgotten and the Genocide never happens again. About the company Reportage Properties Rwanda is part of an international real estate firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi, operating in over 20 countries. The company entered the Rwandan market in 2024, drawn by Kigali’s reputation as one of Africa’s most organised and well-managed cities, as well as the country’s strong economic growth and investor-friendly environment. The company is known for mid-to-high-end projects such as Jasmine Hills and Indabyo Heights. It manages the entire development process in-house. It is currently undertaking various projects, including developments in Nyarutarama and Kacyiru, while also participating in community initiatives such as Umuganda and Car-Free Sundays.

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Reportage Properties pays tribute to Genocide victims, roots for unity