A tale of reconciliation

HUYE-It was not an easy route to follow, but members of Ubutwari bwo Kubaho Association decided on it, and against all odds, have eventually made a successful journey and attained an unparalleled achievements. In 1995, just months after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, 370 women survivors in the rural Karama Sector of Huye District, came together to help heal genocide scars. At first, the widows realised it was very important for them, as victims, to come together to fight the ‘ghosts’ of the Genocide that were haunting them.At the time, they would not imagine joining hands with Genocide perpetrators. But after a while, they realised they shared the same history and decided to come together.Ubutwari bwo Kubaho, which literally translates to “the courage of survival”, illustrates the group’s prime objective: striving for a better life.The association is made up of over 1,900 members who are mainly women Genocide survivors and those whose husbands are imprisoned for their role in the killings. It also incorporates some Genocide convicts who have completed their sentences.Currently, the association stands as one of the existing proof of reconciliation.Their actions have begun to yield fruits with the most important being the reconciliation and unification of those whose relationships were torn away by the Genocide while inspiring others to partake the same route. Today, the members of Ubutwari bwo kubaho are each other’s family members, always helping and assisting each other.The results of their efforts are observed even beyond Karama Sector in the neighbouringNyaruguru District where some members reside in the sectors of Kibeho, Rusenge and Mata.As a result, some Genocide suspects have owned up and shown remorse for their role in the Genocide. In addition, members have put efforts together to spread reconciliation and embark on development projects.In 2011, the association won the Unity Award for promoting reconciliation. President Paul Kagame, who attended the ceremony, commended them noting: “The path to building a united country wasn’t easy but achievable. Members of this association were courageous to live at a time when most survivors had lost hope of living”.Their story is that of surprise and admiration.They do not easily talk about their experience individually, but rather prefer to discuss it in groups; maybe to testify of their ties and make their achievement a group success rather than a personal one.What is common in their testimonies is the fact that the decision to come together was not easy. In the beginning, it was a daydream, they say.In the aftermath of the Genocide, many doubted the capacity of the two groups to come together and reconcile. But today, their story paints a different picture altogether; it is an image of the deep love for each other.“When I joined this association 18 years ago, I felt hatred for the families of those whose relatives participated in the Genocide. I could not even imagine bumping into them. Whenever I came across one of them, I felt an urge to strangle them. I felt they were killers too,” testifies Kankindi Kansirida, 66, a Genocide survivor.“But now, I have healed from that. I have regained hope for a better life; I have rediscovered the humanity. I now know and I am convinced that I have to live better. I have love for other people and I always pray for wrongdoers to repent,” the woman proudly says.For the woman, and other members of the association, they have been a ‘healing agent’ among them all and the entire community.Talking about the fruits of their efforts, they narrate the countless feats including, for instance, the fact that their children intermarry a factor they say comments their ties. “When I think of my future and that of this country, I realise it will be brighter. I see a united community, free of any kind of discrimination”, says Maria Mukamusoni, 53.“Our kids are now raised in a society which promotes unity above other things. And once people are united, they achieve a lot”, Mukamusoni adds.Apart from preaching reconciliation, members of Ubutwari bwo Kubaho have also embarked on income generating projects, among them; cattle keeping, tomato growing, and soap making.“We are supporting each other while seeking solutions to our problems”, the association’s representative, Francoise Mukagatare, proudly says.MP Athanasie Gahondogo, who has been following the association for many years, told The New Times that there is a lot to learn from the association.“These people demonstrate a clear example of reconciliation”, Gahondogo says. “They are really determined to build a strong and united community. I am excited of their achievements.Their tale is a strong lesson to our society... it teaches us that we must remain united.”

National

A tale of reconciliation