As part of the 28th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, I&M Bank paid tribute to 25 former employees killed in the Genocide.

On Friday, May 6, they visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. The visit aimed at helping I&M Bank 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, and also lit candles to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The event also included a testimony from a Genocide survivor, and a musical performance by renowned artist Grace Mukankusi, with a song that depicted the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Robin Bairstow, the Chief Executive Officer of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc. Urged the staff to protect the country’s achievements after the Genocide against Tutsi in 1994.

"Each one of us has a responsibility to protect what has been achieved since 1994, through fighting fervently against genocide ideology and teaching the next generation about the history of our country, to ensure that what happened should never happen again,” he said.

In addition, he commended the government for the unity and reconciliation initiative which he said has inspired the new generation to strive to build unity and long-lasting peace.

Speaking about the former staff victims’ families, he said that though no one’s efforts and actions can bring back the loved ones they lost, the bank has a responsibility to support them and keep them close.

"We send our deepest sympathies to all survivors; our prayers and thoughts are with you in a time like this every year,” he said, adding that, "your resilience and strength have given this country a new direction and has also been a pillar in rebuilding.”

Bairstow disclosed that the bank pledged to keep on supporting survivors.

 "As an institution that has been part of this society and its transformation for many years, our concern and commitment to do more in helping genocide survivors will always be guaranteed,” he said.

He further added that they will always work with local leaders and relevant bodies to identify those in need of support and offer a helping hand.

Bonaventure Niyibizi, the chairman of I&M Bank Rwanda revealed that the Bank has constructed a memorial monument for former staff victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The monument is located at the bank’s headquarters. This development is in line with honouring the 25 ex-staff of I&M Bank Rwanda formerly B.C.R.

Niyibizi also talked about different activities they carried out towards helping survivors, which included constructing and renovating houses, among others.

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 survivors.

Brave Olivier Ngabo, the program manager at IBUKA commended the bank for supporting survivors, and emphasised the role of commemoration as well as lessons people learn through remembering.

Ngabo also shared gratitude towards the RPF Inkotanyi for stopping the Genocide and urged the audience to fight against Genocide deniers.