The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called on the public to stand together and fight against any action aimed at negating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

The message was delivered, yesterday, ahead of the 21st commemoration of the Genocide due to start on Tuesday.

Speaking on a live TV talk-show, also aired live on various local radio stations, Commissioner for Operations Emmanuel Butera assured Rwandans of security during Kwibuka21.

However, he said Rwandans should not wait for Police to act, but cooperate in ending genocide denial and revision by reporting suspects and providing timely information on anyone planning to disrupt commemoration activities in communities.

"Rwandans have chosen to say ‘never again’ to these acts and we should endeavour to stop those who still harbour ill intentions,” Butera said.

"People who use social media to instill terror, whether they are in or out of Rwanda, will be investigated and the public should provide information to concerned agencies.”

Theos Badege, the commissioner for CID, said crimes such as threats, violence and insults against Genocide survivors, will be overcome if residents condemn these acts and reach out to their local leaders and Police with information about those planning to disrupt or trivialise commemoration activities.

"Community policing has been key to overcoming several crimes; we should continue to work together especially during this period. This is a period of mourning and remembrance, which reminds us of the terrible cost of bad leadership, disunity and segregation,” Badege said.

"We should, therefore, be proactive in overcoming all negative forces aimed at dragging us back.”

Badege noted that although there are foreign-based groups and individuals that are not happy with Rwanda’s current unity, development and peace – Rwandans should concentrate on their development programmes and be active, do the usual community activities, rest assured that their security is guaranteed.

Road users cautioned

George Rumanzi, the commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety, reminded road users, especially motorists, of their duty to maintain safety on the roads by driving carefully during this commemoration period.

He also urged them report any passenger who commits such crimes as denial and negation of the Genocide against Tutsi, which tend to rise during this period.

"Let us remember that we all have a duty to respect traffic rules and regulations. We need to be peaceful and law abiding in order for all commemoration events to go as as planned,” Rumanzi said.

He appealed to the general population to always call Police toll free lines, especially 113 and 112, to report drivers who violate rules and put people’s lives in danger.

Known as ‘Kwibuka’ (‘Remember’), this year’s commemoration will focus on fighting Genocide denial and revisionism.

Tomorrow, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda across the globe, will pay tribute to over one million innocent lives massacred in just one hundred days 21 years ago.

The 100 days of commemoration period is an opportunity to enhance historical clarity, get closer to survivors as well as empathise and educate the public of their role in ensuring that this inhuman act never happens again.Events to mark the 21st commemoration will be held at village level (Umudugudu).

Throughout the commemoration week, citizens will gather in all villages nationwide to reflect on the country’s history, and discuss different genocide-related topics focusing on fighting genocide denial.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw