GISAGARA – MP Spéciose Mukandutiye has urged Gisagara district residents to shun ‘divisive politicians.’

Speaking at the burial of remains of 21 genocide victims at Gahabwa memorial site on Thursday, Mukandutiye reminded residents that the 1994 genocide against Tutsi was caused by bad politics.

The remains were exhumed from three sectors of Kigembe, Nyanza and Kansi.

"The genocide was planned by bad politicians. It is good to respect leaders but it is also up to everybody to analyze whether they are leading you in a positive way,” she said.

During the burial ceremony, Ernest Mutwarasibo a survivor recalled how genocide ideology was imparted among pupils in schools.

Students were admitted basing on their ethnic background, he said, and as the genocide started, many Tutsis who did not get the opportunity to flee to Burundi were massacred in the former Kigembe district. 

 He advised fellow survivors not to be held back by the past, but pursue a bright future.

Célestin Rwandema, the representative of survivors from the three sectors appealed to authorities to inscribe historical symbols at Gahabwa memorial site portraying how the victims were killed in the area.

He also appealed for the construction of houses for survivors who lack shelter.

The vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Donatille Uwingabiye, said the district plans to rehabilitate Gahabwa memorial site and give the necessary support to survivors.

About 27,000 victims of the genocide were buried at Gahabwa memorial site.

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