The Graduate Genocide Survivors Organisation (GAERG) last week released a new list of 886 families it says were wiped out during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, bringing the total number of such families – thus far – to 7,797.

These families, according to GAERG, comprised 34,823 members and the organisation’s research has so far covered 17 districts, just over half the number of districts countrywide.

Across Rwanda, there are many families that were completely annihilated by the Genocide machinery and this goes to explain the virulence of the killings.

The killers were so cold even the unborn were not spared. Theirs was a campaign to leave none to tell the story!

Fortunately, they were unsuccessful in most cases. Today, Rwanda is home to a proud generation of survivors who are not only actively involved in rebuilding the country but are also working so hard, along with their compatriots, to ensure we bequeath our children a Rwanda that’s at peace with itself, united, inclusive and prosperous.

Nonetheless, even in situations where families were wiped out, Rwanda will ensure that they never died in vain. Their country will continue to pay homage to them, and cherish and pursue their dreams that were tragically cut so short.

Above all, Rwanda and the people of Rwanda will continue to fight bigotry, hate and genocide ideology that led to their untimely demise.

To the members of GAERG and other youths who are spearheading a relentless effort to ensure that the memory of all those whose families were wiped out keeps alive, we say ‘you are not alone’, Rwanda takes pride in your work.

No, they did not die in vain.