Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), and Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) staff on Saturday, June 8, paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Mwulire Genocide Memorial in Rwamagana District, Eastern Province.
During the solemn event, management and staff members were reminded that it is their responsibility to know Rwanda's history as it is and always work towards its transformation.
At the memorial, they paid their respects to the over 26,500 victims laid to rest there. The commemoration was attended by several leaders including Francis Gatare, CEO of RDB, Janet Karemera, CEO of RCB, Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, Director General of RHA, Pudence Rubingisa, Governor of Eastern Province, Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi, Mayor of Rwamagana district, among others.
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In his address, Rukaburandekwe emphasised that Rwanda’s accomplishments over the past 30 years indicate its potential for even greater achievements in the next three decades with increased dedication.
"As we commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is the responsibility of every Rwandan to protect history and to fight those who distort it,” he added.
Gatare delivered a speech reminding everyone about the importance of "keeping our distance from evil.”
"We have a responsibility to learn from our mistakes and distance ourselves from any injustice that impedes our country’s progress. We have an obligation to share our history and continue to shape Rwanda,” Gatare said.
After visiting the Mwulire Genocide Memorial, a panel discussion was held to discuss the youth’s role in understanding the nation&039;s history and contributing to Rwanda's ongoing development.
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During the Kwibuka 30 panel, Dialogue Honorine Uwababyeyi, founder of the Hope and Peace Foundation, gave her testimony and stressed the consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Christian Intwali of Our Past initiative noted that youngsters should understand history and live to relay the nation's true history to future generations.
Julienne Uwacu, Executive Director of Itorero and Culture Promotion, expressed gratitude for the nation’s effective governance which has facilitated economic growth rooted in unity.
In her final remarks, Nelly Mukazayire, Deputy Director of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), commended survivors of the Genocide for their fortitude in choosing life despite all they have been through.
"We have a commitment to the country to relate, interpret, and teach history to ourselves and future generations. Telling history is challenging, but we must persevere for our country’s future,” she added.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), and the Rwanda Housing Authority also provided support to Mwulire and Bisesero memorials as well as Avega Agahozo, an association of Genocide widows formed to help widows, orphans, and others who lost family loved ones in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.