Love knows no bounds; Rwandans are one people

Editor, It was very heartening to read your article, “Kwibuka 21: Kayonza couple resolute in marriage despite ethnic prejudice” in The New Times of April 9.

Friday, April 10, 2015
Kabeja and Munganyinka from Kayonza District, are steadfast in marriage despite ethnic prejudice. (File)

Editor,

It was very heartening to read your article, "Kwibuka 21: Kayonza couple resolute in marriage despite ethnic prejudice” in The New Times of April 9.

It is a fact that love knows no bounds.

It is extremely sad to see the extent to which the families of the brave heart Gilbert Kabeja and the young lady Vestine Munganyinka, whom he so loved, tried to sabotage their marriage.

The young couple needs to be commended for displaying their steadfast love for each other and going ahead to share their lives together as man and wife. Kudos to "Reach”, the local non-profit organisation that played a key role in making the dream of these two young people a reality.

Like Kabeja and Munganyinka, I am sure "Reach” will help many young minds in breaking all ethnic barriers and moving on with their lives, thus showing to the world that Rwandans are all one.

Great thanks to The New Times for sharing this story, particularly during the Commemoration Week. For sure, this story will serve as a great inspiration to many others.

Clarence Fernandes

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I applaud the couple for deciding to stay together, despite all the negative pressure coming from both sides of their families.

In my opinion, the unity and reconciliation commission should be working with people like these two to help Rwandans learn how to heal from ethnic hatred.

Dev

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I haveread this article with interest since I am not Rwandan and am trying to continuously educate myself about the tragic Genocide against the Tutsi that occurred as well as the general interest I have about Rwanda.

Looking at the picture, I can only see two beautiful Rwandan people who are a married couple and from their physical aspects cannot determine any ethnic, nor tribal differences.

Being from Haiti where our African native, ethnic and tribal ancestral origins have merged into one national identity as a by-product of colonisation, I am curious to know how do Rwandans conceptualise their own future; maybe as for this couple, might intermarriage be the path?

Patrick Andre