Reconciliation forums trained in conflict management

RWAMAGANA- District Reconciliation Forums in Eastern Province were trained how to peacefully manage community conflicts. The three days workshop that ended yesterday was organized by an International Non- Governmental organization (NGO), known as Search for Common Ground. At least 30 leaders of the forums attended. Narcisse Kalisa, the National Programme Manager of the organization, explained that the overall aim of the workshop was to build capacity of the participants to carry out their duties in a more informed manner. Kalisa said that such forums were well positioned to disseminate the knowledge to members of communities. ‘’Leaders of the forums must be able to analyze internal and external community conflicts. Conflicts are normal in society, but a peaceful end is always the challenge. Conflict solving should not be adversarial,’’ he said. He noted that Rwanda was doing well in as far reconciliation process was concerned, adding that what remains was to cement the long term unity of Rwandans. “Owing to the fact that Rwanda is a post genocide society, the trend of unity is highly promising. It is however, important that culture of dialogue is emphasized in communities.’’ Emmanuel Rukera, the chairman of Unity and Reconciliation Forum in Rwamagana, district reiterated the need for societal dialogue in case conflicts crop up. “The workshop highlighted some guidelines that will help forums teach community members how to resolve conflicts, before they degenerate into violence. This is the bottom line,” he said. Zahara Nyirabarame, one of the founders of the district forums, told The New Times that failure to compensate genocide survivors was a challenge to the reconciliation process in Rwanda. “Justice was done at satisfying levels as far as I am concerned…the issue that challenges us is compensation, you know things to do with giving back property to survivors of genocide,” she said. Ends