The National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) has expressed reservations about the idea of greater involvement of Genocide convicts in sensitising people about the crime. This follows a request for Genocide convicts to be provided with more platforms to contribute to educating society about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and its consequences through their stories. This request was made by Kayitani Ndererimana a Genocide convict who falls in category I (ringleader), when the Minister for Justice, John Busingye, visited Nyarugenge prison, better known as Mageragere, this week. Ndererimana has been touring prisons teaching his fellow genocidaires about repentance and sharing the truth about the whereabouts of the victims’ remains. According to SSP Hillary Sengabo, spokesperson of Rwanda Correctional Services, the Genocide convicts are trying to cooperate. Over the past two months, they have blown the whistle on their accomplices and disclosed the whereabouts of 126 Genocide mass graves. However, Dr Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Executive Secretary of CNLG, opposes the idea. “We are against it because it only takes people back and may lead to more trauma,” he said. “We also think that for the part of teaching Genocide consequences, no one can do it better than the survivors”. He, however, said CNLG welcome the confessions, repentance, and willingness to share the truth. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
