Ibuka, the umbrella organization that brings together associations of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has called on government to administer rigorous sentences to those who spread and harbor the Genocide ideology.

In an interview with The New Times, the Executive Secretary of the 15-year old organisation, Benoit Kaboyi, highlighted trauma among the survivors and genocide ideology  as the main challenge facing Ibuka.

According to Kaboyi, despite the fact that the Genocide ideology is existent in a few people in the society, it’s a deadly doctrine that spreads like a bush fire if given room.

He advised institutions like the police, schools and local authorities to scrutinize parents for they are the strongest tool when it comes to spreading the genocide ideology to their children.

"No one is born a criminal or a saint, everything comes as a result of the environment people live in,” stated Kaboyi.

He added that if neglected, many children will grow up harboring the genocide ideology which is a hindrance to education, unity and development.

Kaboyi stressed that people who deliberately harbor the genocide ideology should be severely punished.

"If drastic measures are taken against people harboring the genocide ideology, its spread will be checked.”

Kaboyi called upon Rwandans to embrace peace as an initiative that will help in restoring hope to Rwandans in general and the 1994 genocide survivors in particular.

Speaking to The New Times on Friday at Ibuka headquarters in Nyanza-Kicukiro, Kaboyi emphasized peace as a tool that can help survivors forget their tormented past and also make the genocide perpetrators change their mindsets.

"Rwanda went through the hardest times, this is why kind words preaching peace and love are vital in mending their souls,” said Kaboyi.

He emphasized that it should be every Rwandans’ responsibility to restore hope through being at peace with one another.

"Without peace hope is devoid. and without hope, all our dreams are shattered,” warned Kaboyi.

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