AS WE continue to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, cases of trauma across the country are on the increase. This is a situation that is understandable especially for the survivors and those who lost their loved ones. 

Remembering the despicable slaughter of one’s entire family or seeing their mother raped is unbearable. It’s a traumatic experience that many cannot pull through without support.  And this is what many a people are going through as we remember the over one million innocent people who were killed in the Genocide. Support to the survivors is every one’s obligation during this time.  Even the perpetrators need support as some are traumatised by their own acts during the Genocide. 

According to Rwanda Red Cross, the number of people receiving treatment and counseling for trauma following this year’s commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has risen compared to those treated for the same problem last year.

Horrible atrocities were meted out on those who survived and the manner in which their loved ones were killed is beyond comprehension.

 As we commemorate, let us be supportive and helpful to those overcome by the trauma. Community leaders and members of the public should be on the lookout for those who are traumatised and help them seek immediate help before they plunge into depression and in worst cases attempt suicide. 

Let us also encourage people to open up and speak out in the spirit of unity and reconciliation. As this is another way to relieve oneself of the trauma and depression when they think about what happened in 1994.