Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi has said the country has made tremendous gains over the years because of unity and reconciliation, which he said have been ushered in by good leadership that took charge after stopping the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

The premier made the remarks, on Saturday, in Kabaya Sector, Ngororero District, while officiating at the launch of the ninth edition of Unity and Reconciliation Week.

During a special Umuganda session, Murekezi said the Unity and Reconciliation Week is a special time for Rwandans to reflect on the progress to embrace unity as a means to safeguard the achievements made thus far, which is also the theme for this year.

He said unity and reconciliation is the foundation of sustainable development.

Various activities have been organised during the week such as discussions on unity, selection of outstanding individuals for national recognition, and improving social welfare of the needy, among others.

The launch of Unity and Reconciliation Week was started by the community service Umuganda) where officials joined Kabaya residents in planting beans on Mandari hill on a consolidated piece of land.

The premier reminded farmers to be ready to plant their seeds on time, following the recent commencement of the 2017 Season A.

He said October 1 is an important date to the people of Rwanda since this was the day the Liberation Struggle started 26 years ago.

Murekezi called on Rwandans to actively participate in all activities planned during the week where they will share insights on government programmes such as Ndi Umunyarwanda.

Fidele Ndayisaba, the executive secretary of National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, singled out prosperity, peace, and security as some of the benefits that have been ushered in by the solid unity among Rwandans.

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