The organisation of Genocide survivors Ibuka has raised concern over the persistence of genocide ideology in Nyabihu District, with officials calling for intensified efforts to prevent it and strengthen unity and resilience. According to Annoncée Manirarora, a commissioner at Ibuka, genocide ideology continues to exist both within and outside Rwanda, manifesting in words and actions that target survivors. ALSO READ: Defence minister warns against violence targeting Genocide survivors Manirarora made the remarks during a commemoration event held on Monday, April 20, at Nyabihu Genocide Memorial, the final resting place of more than 2,000 Tutsi killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “Persistent genocide ideology remains a concern, even though reported cases are relatively few,” she said. Manirarora also highlighted a recent incident in Kabatwa Sector, reported during the night ahead of this Kwibuka event. “I received a message in which a man verbally abused his wife, telling her to return to ‘her Tutsi people’ and build a home there,” she said. “That's violence,” she added. “When his wife fled, he told her to stay away from home and seek accommodation from Tutsi.” For Governor of Western Province, Jean Bosco Ntibitura, Nyabihu is among the districts where genocide ideology was deeply rooted for a long time—formerly part of Gisenyi prefecture—linked to the origins of members of the so-called ‘Akazu’ network. The Genocide was tried there in Bigogwe before 1994. “We remember the tragic history as if it happened yesterday,” Ntibitura said. “There are indications that genocide ideology still exists among some individuals, both within Rwanda and in neighboring countries such as Burundi and DR Congo.” The governor called for renewed efforts to promote unity and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of supporting Genocide survivors to live dignified lives. “We all have a responsibility to build unity and fight genocide ideology, starting from our homes,” he said. Nyabihu, he noted, has a unique history in the preparation of the genocide, with violence beginning earlier than in many other regions and many people from the area still living in DR Congo. “You should encourage them to return home; Congo is not their home,” Ntibitura said. Alexandre Gatemba, a survivor, narrated his ordeal in the lead-up to the Genocide, as government forces accused him of supporting RPF-Inkotanyi. “They beat my feet and shoulders, accusing me of collaborating with Inkotanyi and hiding guns,” recounted Gatemba, who was detained in Ruhengeri Prison. ALSO READ: Genocide survivors urge efforts to find missing remains of loved ones in Rutsiro During the commemoration event, the remains of six genocide victims that were exhumed from different parts of the district were laid to rest at Nyabihu Genocide Memorial.
