Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda (OMIR) observed the 29th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi by honouring victims laid to rest at the Ntarama Genocide Memorial site. On April 26, staff members gathered for an event that began with a walk from Nyamata town to Ntarama Memorial, to remember and honour the victims of the Genocide. They were informed about the historical events that led to the Genocide, the brutal killings of the victims in the area, and the heroes who stopped the killings. The staff of OMIR laid wreaths on the graves of the victims at the memorial site and were taken to the Genocide Survivors’ Village, located in Kamabuye Sector in Nyamata, for a tour and discussions. Venuste Bikorimana, a survivor who was only seven years old when the Genocide started, gave a testimony of the horrifying events he witnessed when the killings unfolded. His parents and siblings were murdered, and he spent days and nights in dreadful hiding places, such as swampy bushes. Bikorimana shared the struggles and hardships he faced until he was liberated by RPF-Inkotanyi. He went on to say that his current status and achievements are a true reflection of resilience and development. Bikorimana is now married with children and serves as an Ibuka representative in Kamabuye Sector. Delivering her remarks, Annie Nibishaka, Managing Director of OMIR, emphasised the importance of remembering the tragic events of the Genocide that claimed over a million lives in just 100 days. She acknowledged that such remembrance serves as a reminder of the dark side of humanity that led to the atrocities. However, Nibishaka also pointed out that this commemoration can have a positive impact by awakening individuals to think about the negative effects of hatred and discrimination. “Today we mark the 29th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and we take a moment to remember the victims. We must continue to emphasise our determination to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again,” she said, adding, “As we commemorate this day, let us stand together and fight for the diversity of Rwandans. We must work towards creating a society that upholds values such as tolerance, respect, and coexistence.” Nibishaka said that as they remember the victims of the Genocide, they are also inspired by the bravery shown by the survivors in dealing with the never-ending trauma caused by the Genocide. She added, “Their courage is reflected in the strength of rebuilding, in the testimony of those who leave us, and in the hope for the future, and this is a strong motivation for us to come together and prevent such an event from occurring again.” During the visit, OMIR staff offered food to the families as a gesture of support for their physical and emotional healing. Nibishaka commended the government for its efforts in promoting the unity and reconciliation of Rwandans. Nibishaka also expressed admiration for the courage and resilience shown by survivors—to be able to cope with the past and continue with their lives. Alphonse Nsengimana, Program Manager of Groupe des Anciens Etudiants et Elèves Rescapés du Genocide (GAERG) — an organisation founded by Rwandan graduates Genocide survivors with a mission of creating a world in which the memory of genocide is preserved and a self-sustaining survivor’s community exists—expressed gratitude towards OMIR for supporting and helping the survivors as well as honouring the Genocide victims along with learning historical facts.
