The management and staff of Cogebanque have joined Rwandans in commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

On Saturday, April 23, they visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. The tour aimed at helping the Cogebanque’s employees to understand how the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was executed to kill over a million lives in just 100 days.

They laid wreaths at the memorial before being led into its auditorium for discussions.

They had an opening prayer that was preceded by testimony from Genocide survivors who works at Cogebanque and listened to songs performed by renowned artists Dieu Donne Munyanshoza and Grace Mukankusi that talked about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Guillaume Ngamije Habarugira, the Chief Executive Officer of Cogebanque said that although the bank was founded five years after the Genocide they honour the victims and comfort the survivors.

"Some staff are survivors while others lost their loved ones…that’s why we take time to pay tribute to them as well as comfort the survivors,” he said

Habarugira also urges the public to prioritize unity and learn from the tough lessons of the Genocide.

In addition, he revealed that the Bank aims to contribute to rebuilding the nation.

"It’s our responsibility to fight against genocide denials,” he added

He concluded by commending the government for restoring peace and unity in the country.

Jeanine Munyeshuri, Vice-chairperson of Board members of Cogebanque urged the staff to stand for unity and fight genocide denials.

"As Rwandans, we have to remember always what we stand for which is unity,” she added

She further commended the founders’ of Cogebanque for their vision to contribute to the development of the country as well as RPF inkotanyi for stopping the genocide.

The event included a discussion related to Rwanda’s justice after the Genocide as well as the role of the courts and the UN in giving justice to the survivors.

Brave Olivier Ngabo, The Program Manager of IBUKA commended the survivors.

Ngabo emphasized the importance of commemoration and saluted Cogebanque for its survivors for the 22 years.

Cogebanque staff and management lay wreaths to pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial on  Saturday, April 23. Dan Nsengiyumva

Dieudonne Munyanshoza was helping them with commemoration song.

Guillaume Ngamije Habarugira, the Chief Executive Officer of Cogebanque lays a wreath

The management and staff of Cogebanque during the event at Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The management and staff of Cogebanque hold candles during a commemoration event at Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The tour aimed at helping the Cogebanque’s employees to understand how the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was executed to kill over a million lives in just 100 days..