Twenty nine years ago, Rwanda lost more than one million people during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. Property was destroyed, and the country faced a crisis of thousands of orphans, widows, displaced people, who had lost hope for the future. In Rwanda’s journey to recovery from the Genocide, many lessons were learned, many wounds had to be healed, and hope and resilience needed to be built. In this Vox-pop, The New Times' Heritier Bahizi interviewed different people who shared reflections on how Rwanda has transformed over the past 29 years and how the future looks. Yassin Tuyishimire, 24, student, resident of Nyamirambo I acknowledge that although what I know about the genocide is from school and memorial sites, there has been significant change in Rwanda's peace and national security over the years. This new era is all about Ndi Umunyarwanda, which means equal opportunities for all, and the recent scrapping of Ubudehe categories is an example of that too. Commemorating the Genocide annually helps the youth and everyone who wasn't born yet to learn about their country's history and fight for a better future where genocide cannot happen again. Ariane Isimbi, 25, waiter, resident of Kanombe I am grateful for the government's continuous efforts to eliminate genocide ideology. Kids born after the Genocide live together happily without reflecting on their predecessors' past. Over the past 29 years, Rwanda has seen a bump in development, with technology leading our transformation. Ally Bosso, 24, IT specialist, artiste, resident of Kicukiro My mother's experience is horrible, she’s a survivor who lost most of her family members during the genocide. The post-genocide period has shaped the youth, and my mother's strength and resilience has taught us to love Rwanda as it is now. I believe that the exceptional leadership, reconciliation, solidarity, and development have shaped the society positively. Siqla Naeem, 25, Pakistani student, resident of Kicukiro Before coming to Rwanda, me and my family had heard about the genocide and assumed that the country would be underdeveloped. However, when we first got here, we were surprised, we’ve visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and spending several years in Rwanda, I’ve learned about the tragedy and witnessed the country's transformation over the years. Rwanda's 360-degree turn is all credit to the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame and I’m convinced that I would not leave Rwanda for anywhere else right now. Jane Babirye, 30, Ugandan student, resident of Kicukiro I grew up a pan-Africanist and was always interested in Rwanda's progress. I very much admire the country's visionary leadership under President Kagame and longed to be in a country like Rwanda. To be honest I now consider Rwanda my second home and I’m amazed by how the country has transformed from a little country on the map shrugged by Genocide to a global icon. Angelique Nakure, 52, farmer, resident of Gikondo The first years after the genocide were traumatizing for many people. However, 29 years later, Rwanda is safe, and people have no genocide ideology. The country has become one people, and kids can go to school, travel anywhere with no restrictions, and enjoy their produce abundantly. The commemoration period is essential as it renews those who have fallen, new bodies are discovered and laid to rest, and young people learn about their history. Olive Mukakalisa, 71, farmer, resident of Bwerankori I recall how kids used to get left behind on their academics for no real reason. However, now, any child has the same chance to excel in school and get government support. People are living freely in peace, and development is at the forefront. I believe that commemorating the genocide helps young people stay informed about what really happened. Mellisa Nyarwaya, 19, artiste, resident of Nyamirambo The Genocide had a big bad effect on my family, my mother lost all her family members. So we grew up with no aunts, uncles or grandparents. However, I believe that the country and survivors of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi have renewed, it is showing because now Rwanda is ranking as one of the cleanest, safest, and growing countries. People now know about Rwanda for more than just refugees or the movie Hotel Rwanda, and the country is making great strides towards a better future.
