CANAL+ Groupe, through its subsidiaries including CANAL+ Rwanda, Canal Olympia, Zacu Entertainment, and GVA Rwanda (Canal Box), visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum on Friday, April 25, to pay tribute to the innocent victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The group visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, where they learned about the crucial role played by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) in stopping the 1994 Genocide.

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On April 7, following the downing of former president Juvenal Habyarimana’s plane, Paul Kagame, then Chairman of the RPA High Command, ordered his soldiers to break out and save thousands of Tutsi who were being targeted. Many prominent Tutsi figures, including moderate Hutu like Agathe Uwilingiyimana, former Prime Minister, were among the first to be killed.

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The Museum’s main flaunt is the campaign against the 1994 Genocide, how it was planned and successfully executed by the Rwanda Patriotic Army regardless of the withdrawal of the UN troops from Rwanda during the genocide.

One of the most striking monuments in the museum is a 12.7mm heavy machine gun used by RPA soldiers stationed on the rooftop of the Parliament building during the 1994 Genocide to halt the enemy’s advances from different parts of the city.

The machine gun was one of only two high-calibre guns the RPA was permitted to bring when they deployed their protection force in the city on December 28, 1993. Operated by David Rwabinumi, the gun was instrumental in keeping the enemy at bay between April 7 and April 21.

ALSO READ: CANAL+ Rwanda pays tribute to Genocide victims, stands in solidarity with Rwandans

Wilson Misago, the CEO of Zacu Entertainment noted that the visit "provided a powerful lesson and a responsibility to uphold the spirit of bravery shown by the young RPA/F Inkotanyi fighters” and that their determination and patriotism should serve as inspiration for today’s youth.

"They walked a difficult journey in four years. Most youth should visit this place. Not only can you get a good message, but also many lessons. I think there’s no better message one can share than this one. They fought then, let’s fight to uphold their legacy as well,” he said.

Misago, who manages many of the celebrities, also called on them to spread positive and meaningful messages in everything they do.

Aimé Abizera, the CEO of CanalBox, expressed how honoured he felt to learn about the country’s dark history.

"I urge our clients to remember what happened and keep on building the country. Personally, I’ve been moved by the panoramic view of Kigali. This shows that the country chose the best path and realized it. We’ll continue at the same pace while also giving our young staff members the chance to learn this history,” he added.

Blaise Butoyi, the Sales Director at CANAL+ Rwanda said that they chose the museum to understand the gravity of the atrocities and to learn about the bravery of Inkotanyi, a lesson that everyone must take to heart.

He said: "We watched the film about the 600 soldiers, but you can’t truly understand everything until you see what’s on the walls of those rooms in the museum. Before, we had incomplete information. Now we fully grasp the story.

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"Now we understand why ‘Remember, Unite, and Renew’ isn’t just a slogan. This experience gives us a powerful message to carry forward. To those who downplay this history, they should know it’s a shallow mindset.”