KARONGI/MUSANZE – Residents donated household items and built houses for vulnerable Genocide survivors in Karongi and Musanze districts as part of activities to mark the reconciliation week which ended yesterday.

Speaking at a function to mark the end of the activities in Karongi, Marie Claire Mukabishaka, a representative from the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), urged residents to embrace unity.

"In the aftermath of Genocide, the local population has been fundamental in fostering unity and you should all take it as a personal responsibility,” Mukabishaka told residents who had turned up for the event.

She urged them to form unity and reconciliation clubs in which issues and activities pertaining to unity and reconciliation would be discussed and collectively implemented.

Mukabishaka challenged local leaders in the region to put behind their differences and tirelessly work for the development of the nation.

Residents were also commended for the intensified efforts and activities that are always done in regard to national unity such as Gacaca which will soon end.

Meanwhile, in Musanze district, at least one vulnerable person in every cell was given funds and other necessary materials to economically empower them.

The NURC commended Susa village for being exemplary in fostering unity and peaceful co-existence.

Susa village has over 70 families of different categories including the poor genocide survivors, ex-combatants living with disability, the recent returnees from Tanzania, and other vulnerable groups living together in harmony.

Speaking to the residents, William Ntidendereza, of NURC urged them to always sort out their differences amicably.

Félicien Rwakibibi, the district mobiliser for unity and reconciliation said the reconciliation week served to address sources of conflicts.

In Gakenke district, residents were urged to shun ethnic ideology and to expose whoever harbours the vice.

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