An association of Rwandans who studied at the University of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday paid tribute to their colleagues killed during 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This is the first time the association, known as “Kassapards Family”, with 200 members, joins families and relatives of the victims to honour them. Association members say at least two dozens of their colleagues, most of whom had graduated and returned to Rwanda to seek employment, were killed in the Genocide. The commemoration event featured a walk to remember, a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial and a night of vigil. At the memorial, the mourners laid wreaths on the graves, observed one minute of silence, as well as toured the different sections of the memorial. The night vigil was preceded by a holy mass at Centre Christus in Remera, characterised by lighting candles, testimonies and a lecture on Genocide delivered by Ibuka president, Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu. Dusingizemungu told the mourners that the commemoration period is not a period of grief but for reflecting on the good deeds by the victims and recommitting to work hard to accomplish the journey they had started. He said that survivors should stay strong during and after the mourning period because the country has progressed and that the future for all Rwandans is bright. Dusingizemungu thanked the association for organising the event and for bringing together families of the victims. “It is a good gesture to see a group of people organising a commemoration event and bringing their children to learn our history. Through discussions and testimonies, victims’ families get comforted and strong,” he said. Speaking on behalf of families, Alphonsine Mukarugema, said that commemoration shows love and humility that characterised all the victims. Théogène Gakuba Kayiranga, the president of the association, said that they organised the event in order to comfort families as well as honour beloved friends who were killed for no reason. “Though our friends are gone, their acts and love are still alive and their dreams remain valid. It is, therefore, our duty to realise those dreams on their behalf,” he said. 23 victims were honoured but members believe there are others that are yet to be identified. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
