Staff and management of Vivendi Group’s subsidiaries in Rwanda, including CanalBox, Canal , Canal Olympia, and Zacu TV, on Tuesday, April 30, visited the Nyanza Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and advocate for a future where such atrocities never occur again.

The Nyanza Genocide Memorial stands as the final resting place for over 90,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over one million innocent lives in just 100 days.

During their visit, members of the Vivendi Group laid wreaths to honour the memory of those buried at the memorial.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Sophie Tchatchoua, the Managing Director of CANAL Rwanda, emphasised the importance of understanding Rwanda’s history of genocide. She underscored the role of Vivendi Group in preventing future genocides, stating that paying respects at the memorial serves as a testament to the reality of genocide and the collective resolve to ensure it never happens again.

The Executive Secretary of Ibuka, Naphtal Ahishakiye, provided the group with insights into Rwanda’s history, from the roots of ethnic divisions to the preparation and aftermath of the Genocide. He highlighted the crucial role of every individual, especially the youth, in the country’s rebuilding process and stressed the importance of knowing and acknowledging Rwanda’s history.

Karangwa Sewase, a researcher from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), commended the group’s visit and urged them to combat genocide denialism. He emphasised the role of individuals in supporting one another and promoting unity, regardless of ethnic differences, citing personal experiences to highlight the universality of human connection.

Marie Rose Hodari, a survivor from Nyanza-Kicukiro, shared her experience with the group. She recounted how her family sought refuge during the foreword to the Genocide and the tragic loss they endured. Despite the hardships, Hodari’s resilience shines through as she reflects on her journey from survivor to wife and a mother of two, emphasising the importance of rebuilding and resilience.

According to the members of the group, the visit to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial signifies a commitment to remember, learn, and advocate for a world free from the horrors of genocide, and serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that the atrocities of the past are never repeated.