NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — Genocide survivors in Gicumbi district have been urged to forgive Genocide perpetrators in a move to attain reconciliation.

The advice was given by an official of Friends Peace House, Marcellin Sizeri, during a three-day seminar aimed at reconciling genocide survivors and former Genocide Prisoners at Byumba town this Wednesday.

Friends Peace House is a brain child of Friends Church of Rwanda and it partners with the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission to foster unity.

Speaking as chief guest, Sizeri, the Coordinator of Friends Peace House, advised the 25 participants to put into action lessons learned during the seminar.

"Forgiveness should not only be in words but should be put into practice,” said Sizeri. 

"Our organisation has reconciled over 1000 former Genocide Prisoners and Genocide survivors countrywide,” he added.

During the three-day event, participants were briefed on reconciliation, forgiveness, trauma treatment, women and children rights.

Cassiede Niyongira, the event coordinator, said, "The released genocide prisoners and genocide survivors have promised to work hand in hand to heal the broken souls left behind by the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.”

In the meantime, participants committed themselves to construct two houses for their homeless colleagues; Fabrice Gashumba and Pierre Turatsinze as a sign of strengthening love, unity and reconciliation.

Ends