EVERY year, starting April 7, Rwanda and friends of Rwanda commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that left over one million innocent people dead. During the 28th commemoration period, poets reflect on the massacre, its impact on mental health and society at large, and how best they can use their skill to make a difference and build a better Rwanda. 

Winny Baho Ntaganira, a poet, says that her contribution is to write the truth about Rwanda’s history that future generations can trust. 

"Secondly, through poetry, I fight those who deny the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi by showing what really happened because we have the facts,” she adds.

Ntaganira says that her poetry portrays the hatred and bad governance of the past, and how Rwandans today should protect the nation at any cost. 

Colin Mananga Kazungu sees poetry as a way of letting people knowing their views as poets, and to send messages to Rwandans about unity and renewal.

"Poetry is an artistic way of sending messages and letting people know the views of poets. As a young poet, I use my voice and talent to speak the truth about our history and the events that led to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi,” Kazungu tells The New Times.

Kazungu is one of the organisers of ‘The Hope Anthem’ an event that took place at Ingabo Corner on April 10 where many gathered, mostly youth, to understand the history of Rwanda.

Poet and actor, Zuhla Bagirinka wrote a verse called ‘Bravery Still Leads’ which she has presented at commemoration events.

"I wrote and recited the poem for Kwibuka27 and 28. It reflects on where our country came from, where it is right now and what it takes for the better future we need,” she says.

In her poem, she says it is the responsibility of every Rwandan to fight Genocide ideology. "The journey has been hard, and still is, because regardless of the facts, we still have people who deny the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.”

Her poem was also recited during the ‘Our Past’ event that took place on April 9 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide. 

"As an artist, poetess and actress I am contributing to the fight against genocide ideology and building peace by telling our story the only way I know how, art,” says Nina Salim.

She adds that her poems are about love, healing and giving people hope. "One of my poems ‘Evasure’ talks about the Genocide in an artistic way, to give survivors hope and a helping hand to move forward.