As Rwandans continue to mark the 28th commemoration, the management, and staff of Bank of Kigali (BK) Group Plc on Friday, April 22 paid tribute to 15 former staff that were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration began at the Bank’s head offices where management and staff laid a wreath on the memorial monument of former staff victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration then proceeded to Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. The event included a discussion related to Rwanda’s history before, during, and after the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, as well as elaborated achievements made so far, such as a strong justice system, and the gains made towards reconciliation. It also gave a platform for a survivor, a wife of a former BK staff killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 to share her testimony. Diane Karusisi, the Chief Executive Officer of BK group told the audience that commemoration is a responsibility and commended RPF for being heroes and stopping the Genocide. “Remembering is a responsibility, not an occasion that happens only on April 7, and as Bk staff, it is our duty to remember those who contributed to this bank but were slain during the Genocide,” she said. Karusisi further said that remembering is also a good culture because most survivors were left with wounds and always need to be supported and comforted. In addition, she pointed out that remembering is also a choice to fight against any form of discrimination and make unity a priority along with loving the country. Families of the slain were traced with help of the employees who were working at the financial institution at the time. Karusisi however called on to those who would be having information about these families, like that of Claver Kayumba, as they are still looking for his family. Freddy Mutanguha, the vice president of Ibuka commended BK on supporting survivors and emphasised the role of commemoration as well as the lessons people learn through remembering. Freddy Mutanguha Executive Director of the Aegis Trust Speaking on behalf of families of the deceased BK employees, Athanase Murengerantwali commended BK group for always remembering their family members and RPF Inkotanyi for stopping the Genocide. Murengerantwali also urged the youth to learn the history of the country to build it better.
