The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Forum for Political Organisation (NFPO) aimed to facilitate unity and reconciliation programmes among parties’ youthful members.

Under the agreement, the parties agreed to include unity and reconciliation programmes in all their operations and appoint focal persons.

Bishop John Rucyahana, the head of NURC, signed on behalf of the commission, while Christine Mukabunani, spokesperson of NFPO, signed for political parties’ forum.

The signing took place in Nyarutarama, Kigali at a one-day retreat convened to assess NURC’s progress, challenges and  future plans.

Speaking at the event, the Minister in the Office of the President, Venantie Tugireyezu called on participants to act as role models in fostering unity and reconciliation in society.

Tugireyezu told the participants that the government banks on them in promoting  unity and reconciliation in the Rwandan community and challenged them to examine their individual contribution to the cause.

 "You must not wear clothes of unity and reconciliation at work only it should mirror in your daily life. Remember that you are the first unity and reconciliation barometer,” she said, urging the group to fight genocide ideology and divisionism.

She observed that Rwandans have overcome ethnic ideology, thanks to government effortsn.

She challenged the commission to come up with innovative ways that can lead to wider spread of reconciliation messages.

She also commended the commission for establishing unity and reconciliation clubs in schools which she said have been instrumental in unity and reconciliation awareness efforts.

Fidel Ndayisaba, the executive secretary of NURC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to help unify Rwandans, and urged local leaders to play a key role in this endeavour.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw