A delegation of more than 70 youths from DR Congo and their counterparts from Rubavu District yesterday paid homage to Genocide victims at Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Gisozi.

The group, that mainly comprised of students’ representatives from different universities in the eastern DR Congo, was accompanied by Janvier Murenzi, the coordinator of National Youth Council in Rubavu.

Murenzi said they had brought their counterparts from DR Congo to visit the Genocide memorial to have a clear understanding of Rwanda’s history in relation to the 1994 Genocide against the Tusti.

"We brought them here to understand the history of Rwanda; calling them to join the battle in fighting Genocide denial and ideology. We hope they learn something worth sharing with those they represent,” said Murenzi.

Ghislain Kisenge, one of the Congolese youth, said understanding Rwanda’s history would be crucial in building lasting peace for the future generations.

"Through this visit, we get to understand Rwanda’s history in regard to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and, technically, understand why and how it happened. The experience will help us fight any conflict that could lead to what happened here,” said Kisenge, a third year student at Institut Superiur de Commerce in Goma, DR Congo.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Gisozi, hosts remains of more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide, most of them killed within Kigali and its neighbourhood.

Fighting ideology

Kisenge added that youth from both countries would work together to uproot genocide ideology and denial through information sharing and regular cross-border visits.

"It’s of great joy to be here and to know more about Rwanda and to see how the Government of Rwanda has consolidated reconciliation, peace and development of this country,” Kisenge said.

Aline Mahoro, a fourth year Law student from Kigali Independent University (ULK) Gisenyi campus in Rubavu, said such interaction with their Congolese counterparts would foster good relations between the two bordering communities.

"Our neighbours in DR Congo, just like many other outsiders, have a wrong perception of the reality in Rwanda, we are glad they came with us to learn our history as we do theirs. This will bring unity and love between the two peoples,” said Mahoro.