Unity and reconciliation commission releases book on Rwanda history

The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) to facilitate the distribution of a new book on the History of Rwanda, by the commission. A signing ceremony was held at the INMR offices in Huye District on Thursday. The nearly 800-page book, entitled History of Rwanda, is the result of NURC’s research in line with one of its core missions: carrying out research, organising debates, disseminating ideas and making publications relating to peace, national unity and reconciliation. Fidele Ndayisaba, the Executive Secretary of NURC, said that understanding the history of Rwanda is part of the country’s reconciliation process. He cited recent Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer which shows that 91.7 per cent of Rwandans believe that the way history was taught in schools before 1994 created divisions that eventually served as one of the factors behind to the Genocide against Tutsi. Today, he said, 95.3 per cent of Rwandans affirm that the way history is taught helps to reconcile Rwandans. Through its new book, NURC says it wants the general public “to learn national history which is not stained with any partiality, a history that corrects the distortions of the past, that enables students to discover, to live and enjoy the tradition of Rwanda’s past civilisation, and which does not hide facts or take sides”. Speaking at the event, Amb. Robert Masozera, INMR director-general, commended the initiative and promised to distribute the book. “We will put copies of the book in all our eight museums and work with libraries in the country and also use digital platforms to make sure the book reaches as many people as possible.” The book is available in English, French and Kinyarwanda and costs Rwf10,000, which officials said will go toward facilitating reproduction of more copies. The country’s museums attract some 60,000 people a year, 70 per cent being Rwandans. To enter any of the museums, an adult pays Rwf1,500 and a child Rwf700. There is also discount for those visiting in groups. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Unity and reconciliation commission releases book on Rwanda history