Rwanda Social security Board (RSSB), formerly Caisse Sociale du Rwanda (CSR), on May 10, paid tribute to 19 former employees who lost their lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Staff members and the families of the deceased laid wreaths on a memorial monument at RSSB headquarters in Kigali in honour of former employees who died during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration continued at Nyanza Genocide Memorial where RSSB management, general staff, and families of the genocide victims paid tribute to all genocide victims and, together with Ibuka, the umbrella organisation for Genocide survivors’ associations, they planted a symbolic "tree of life".

RSSB Chief Executive Officer Regis Rugemanshuro said: "It is our duty to acknowledge our country's journey of reconstruction and to tirelessly strive to prevent the recurrence of genocide. We must stand united in combatting against genocide ideology and the denial of genocide.”

He also underscored the importance of nurturing young minds by instilling in them the values of a united and inclusive Rwanda, where no one is marginalized and everyone's rights are upheld without restrictions.

Adelaide Gakwaya, a representative of the genocide survivors, expressed heartfelt gratitude to RSSB for their commitment to remembering their loved ones. She emphasized the significance of RSSB's annual commemoration and deeply appreciated the inclusion of survivors in "these meaningful events.”

"We are immensely grateful for the invaluable contributions RSSB has made towards enabling survivors to complete their studies, leading to successful graduation and subsequent employment, providing them with the foundation for a fulfilling life. Your continued support has truly transformed lives," she added.

Philbert Gakwenzire, the President of Ibuka, shed light on Rwanda's history, noting that despite gaining independence in 1962, the nation's independence existed merely in name, as deep-seated divisions persisted. He noted that today, Rwanda truly experiences independence, attributing this achievement to the establishment of a stable government, functioning institutions, and a transformative shift in mindset.

Gakwenzire extended gratitude towards RSSB for its ongoing support to genocide survivors countrywide, as well as its continued assistance to families of former employees who lost their lives during the genocide.

Marcel Mukeshimana, the vice chairperson of RSSB Board of Directors, highlighted the close-knit bonds formed among colleagues who share the same workplace, suggesting that they often spend more time together than with their own families or friends. This notion was expected to signify a sense of unity among coworkers. However, as history accounts and various testimonies reveal, this was not the reality in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi since the latter faced discrimination from their fellow workers.

"Remembrance must stand as a profound lesson, urging us to vigilantly oppose anything that could lead Rwanda back to its dark past. As employees of RSSB, it is mandatory to uphold the unity of all Rwandans by steadfastly rejecting any form of discrimination," he stated.

Lt. Col. Vincent Mugisha, the head of the civil military relations department, delivered an enlightening discourse on Rwanda's history spanning from the initial colonial period to the liberation struggle. He highlighted the determination, unity, and mutual love, that characterized their journey, despite enduring significant hardships.

"We were fortunate to have a leader who entrusted the destiny of our nation into our hands. Our leader walked among us, offering guidance and serving as our mentor. Therefore, as leaders, remember the importance of humility by engaging directly with those you lead,” he added.

Mugisha urged the youth to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the hard-won achievements of the nation.

It was the youth who played a significant role in liberating the country, he noted.

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of fostering love and unity among people, stressing that through solidarity, Rwanda can ensure that the horrors of genocide are never repeated.

Unity, patriotism, a strong work ethic, a sense of ownership, humility, and innovation, he said, as some of the values that helped the liberators stop the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. These values, he said, need to always be upheld by the country’s youth.