Efforts channelled toward promotion of unity over the past two decades have given Rwandans unequalled chances to work hard and ushered them into an era of peace, growth and prosperity, residents in the eastern district of Gatsibo said.

The achievements, coupled with the continued resolve to fight genocide ideology, also gives assurance that Rwanda will continue to do well over the next year, the residents argue.

Athanase Tuyisenge, 52, a resident of Ndatemwa Cell in Kiziguro Sector, said he is proud of the country’s achievements since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was stopped. 

Tuyisenge singles out affordable and improved healthcare, socio-economic growth, gains in education and the prevailing peace and security as some of the key areas where the country has attained significant levels of success.

Most importantly, the resident of  Kinunga Village says the widespread climate of peace and security has laid ground for residents to invest efforts and resources in various activities, thus opening doors for socio-economic transformation.

"Whenever I go to bed, I feel confident that tomorrow will be another bright day because I believe the moment I get up [the next morning] much more will have been realised,” he said.

"The country is peaceful and people have committed all their efforts to promote unity. Children have a chance to access education without any discrimination and all citizens have equal access to available opportunities and resources.”

Joseph Byusa, a resident of Rubungo Village, said there is a shared commitment and vision in the district, which motivates them to work hard to uplift their living conditions.

The residents were speaking on Thursday on the sidelines of an event to welcome the Kwibuka Flame as it completed the 22nd leg of its national tour.

The torch is set to reach all the 30 districts before the start of the national commemoration week which starts on April 7.

The Flame arrived in Gatsibo’s Kiziguro Sector from Nyagatare District where it had been received last Monday. It will leave Gatsibo tomorrow and head to Kayonza District. 

Hundreds of residents gathered near Kiziguro Memorial Site to welcome the Flame, which they received with ululation.

Protecting nation’s gains

Speaking at the event, Gatsibo mayor Ambroise Ruboneza said, 20 years after the Genocide, it is time to consolidate efforts toward strengthening unity.

"Let what happened be a source of inspiration that will drive us to continue championing unity,” the mayor said.

The Minister for Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali, told residents that the Kwibuka Flame brings with it the country’s commitment for a brighter future.

He said the torch is a symbol that the country has successfully emerged from years of darkness and that ‘light has regained its place within our community’ replacing bad ideology, divisionism and discrimination that had characterised our communities for years.

"Today, we are proud of our achievements but we should also continue to commit our efforts to protecting them,” he said.

"We have inherited a country that had been destroyed and torn apart but over the past twenty years we have committed to rebuild it and we have been successful. Let’s ensure that our gains are safeguarded from anything or anyone who might attempt to destroy them,” Mitali added.

For that to be possible, the minister said the residents must remain united to ensure that the nation continues to prosper.

He urged them to embrace Ndi Umunyarwanda, saying the programme "is a unique chance that Rwandans have been offered in their quest to build a prosperous and strong nation.”

About 4,000 Tutsis, including infants, were herded into Kiziguro Catholic Church and killed under the supervision of the former bourgoumestre (mayor) of Murambi commune Jean Baptiste Gatete. 

Today, a monument stands at Kiziguro in honour of those who were killed in the area.