Five companies involved in the construction of the new international airport in Bugesera District gathered at the Gashora Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The companies involved in the project are Bugesera Airport Company (BAC) jointly owned by Rwanda and Qatar, which is the Client for the project, Aviation Travel & Logistics (ATL) overseeing the project on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, DAR Al-Handasah Consultants (DAR), responsible for the airport’s design and supervision, DG Jones handling cost control, and Mota-Engil Africa in charge of the construction.
Jules Muheto Ndenga, the CEO of ATL, speaking on behalf of the five companies, underscored that commemorating is not just a task for Rwandans, but a necessary duty for all who reside within Rwanda’s borders. He emphasised the solemn obligation to honour the past and stressed that their responsibility transcends mere remembrance, and extends to the collective endeavour of nation-building.
"This is a moment where we stand united with Rwandans to honour and cherish the lives tragically lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It’s equally significant as a profound gesture of solidarity, extending our heartfelt appreciation to our foreign friends residing and labouring at the Bugesera airport construction site. Their presence and dedication in this solemn commemoration underscore our shared commitment to the solemn vow of ‘Never Again’, resonating deeply within each of us,” he expressed.
"As workers engaged in the airport construction project, we are tasked not only with building physical infrastructure but also with contributing to the broader mission of nation-building. Our efforts align closely with the principles of 'remember, renew, and reunite', as we strive to create a foundation for a stronger, more prosperous Rwanda through the provision of improved infrastructure," he added.
Assier Ntiviguruzwa, a survivor of the Genocide, recounted his experience. At the time, he was 22 years old and he vividly remembers the fear and uncertainty that gripped his community after April 6, 1994, when the president’s plane was shot down.
Despite being instructed to remain indoors, they soon witnessed Hutu neighbours turning against them, instilling terror by declaring "it was the Tutsis’ turn to suffer.”
Seeking refuge in Gashora commune seemed like their best chance at survival, especially considering the accounts of previous escapes. However, their hopes were shattered as the supposed protectors, the police, turned on them, subjecting them to starvation, violence, and unspeakable atrocities.
Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, Ntiviguruzwa managed to evade capture, enduring unimaginable pain and anguish. Fleeing to Burundi brought no relief, only further brutality and near-death experiences. Yet, his resilience prevailed as he returned to Rwanda, joining the RPF-Inkotanyi to end the Genocide.
In a remarkable display of forgiveness and reconciliation, he encountered one of his assailants and chose to forgive him, guided by the principles of unity and forgiveness instilled by the RPF-Inkotanyi.
"Today, I serve as a nurse at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK). I am grateful for the opportunities provided by the government to rebuild my life and contribute to society,” he added.
Yvette Imanishimwe, Vice Mayor of Bugesera District, delved into the history of Bugesera. She noted how during the first and second republics, people were forcibly relocated to Bugesera where they encountered a lack of utilities and the prevalence of tsetse flies, effectively subjecting them to a slow death.
Additionally, she added how Bugesera bears witness to a tragic history, particularly the attempted genocide in October 1992, where numerous Tutsi were killed, their homes were set on fire, and their livestock seized.
Imanishimwe emphasised that referring to this as an "attempted” genocide would undermine the severity of the tragedy, it was indeed a genocide.
"In our reflections on the past, we encourage Rwandans not to let our troubled history hinder our progress. Instead, let us use it as a stepping stone to unite and strengthen our nation. Embracing our identity as ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’, let’s remain vigilant in opposing Genocide ideology and denial,” she emphasised.
She extended her heartfelt gratitude to the companies engaged in the construction of the Bugesera airport, expressing their support in concrete terms. "We received Rwf 12.6 million to aid 18 families of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and an additional Rwf 1 million to sustain the upkeep of the memorial,” she acknowledged.
During the event they visited the Gashora memorial site where wreaths were laid on the graves of the 5,229 victims laid to rest there, among those, include 15 bodies that were recently found and buried on April 11.