FEATURED: Muhazi upgraded memorial site officially inaugurated
Sunday, May 01, 2022
Photos by Craish Bahizi

Rwamagana District and Crystal Ventures Ltd (CVL) April, 29 have officially inaugurated Muhazi memorial site along with joined Rwandans in the 28th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

This memorial site was upgraded in partnership with Rwamagana District and CVL through Crystal Connect ‘CBC’.

CBC was established to impact communities through life-changing initiatives that improve the livelihoods of the less privileged, an official says.

Yves Bernard Ningabire, the Chief Operation Officer at CVL said that this memorial was identified as one of the Memorial Sites that needed to be fully upgraded both in size and appearance to achieve the standards set by the government.

Commenting on the motive behind supporting the upgrading of this memorial site he said that this was in line with honoring the victims among others.

"This project was undertaken with the conviction that it goes a long way in preserving the memory of our beloved ones and giving dignity to the lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi among other reasons,” he said

During the inauguration, various officials laid wreaths at the memorial before being ushered into its auditorium for further discussions.

Emmanuel Gasana, the Governor of Eastern Province, commended CVL for their support of this memorial site arguing that this is a way of honoring and giving respect to the Victims who are resting there.

Gasana told the audience that the key message in such a period is to comfort the survivors as well as remind them that commemorating is venerating the victims.

In addition, he urges them to fight against Genocide denials and genocide ideology as well as other related crimes and always embrace unity among Rwandans.

"We have to always remember in other to fight this to happen again and I also commended the survivors for being heroes in various ways,” he added

According to Gasana, some genocide memorial sites are not well preserved, posing a risk of losing valuable information related to the country’s tragic history.

However, he commends this for having archives that have the key features among others.

Speaking on the same occasion Dative Uwayezu, the representative of Ibuka in Rwamagana district described this day as a great day as they gathered to commemorate the victims as their resting in a better place.

"This site combined different small memorial sites that used to be in this sector such as Kitazigurwa, kabare, and Murambi,” she said

In addition, she commends all the partners for upgrading this site and survivors for their contribution as well as RPF inkotanyi for stopping the Genocide.

Joseph Kambanda, who spoke on behalf of the victims’ families welcomed this memorial site and extended their gratitude to the partner in contributing to honoring the victims.

Kambanda, also took the audience through the journey before, during, and after the Genocide, especially in the Muhazi area.

At least 9023 Genocide victims are laid to rest in Muhazi Memorial Site, located in Rwamagana district, Muhazi sector, Byeza cell, Nyarukombe village.