MUSANZE - Families once-divided along ethnic lines in Musanze District, on Friday, gathered in Kinigi sector for a re-union ceremony.

Kiyengo Nzitonda, who played a key role in the reunion, said that family members of Abagiri clan, were divided in 1959, after some members were listed as Tutsi because they owned cattle and they eventually fled the country.

The rest of the members were categorised as Hutu and survived during that time.

"We belong to one great grandfather, Bigirimana, but the families were divided in the 1950s, when those who had lost all cows were categorised as Hutu and those who still possessed them were classified as Tutsi, and eventually killed while others fled to Congo. We are pleased to be united again,’’ Nzitonda said. 

He added that a research he carried out proves that more clan members whether Hutu or Tutsi, especially those who belong to the same clan, originate from same parenthood but were divided along selfish lines.  

"We have Abagiri family relatives, as Bafumbira in Kisoro-Uganda, then others living in D R Congo, and now we have united with those who had been taken as Hutu due to history created by colonialism,’’ Nzitonda, who is the Abagiri clan leader added.

The president of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), Rtd Bishop, John Rucyahana, said that Rwandans should forge unity and ignore the ethnic divisions created by the colonialist.

"Rwandans should view themselves beyond eras of genocide, beyond Hutu and Tutsi. Family bonds should be rediscovered in order to bring about lasting unity among the communities,’’ said Rucyahana. 

Oneness of Rwandans should prevail, in order to provide the young children with a bright future devoid of intrigue, and divisions, he added.

The ceremony, which was held in Kinigi town centre, was also attended by the NURC Executive Secretary, Dr Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, the chairman of task force for Itorero ryigihugu Boniface Rucagu, and clan leaders from Musanze and the neighbouring districts. 

Governor Aime Bosenibamwe, urged Rwandans to make right choices, avoid divisions and have a foresight to prepare for the future generations.  

Ends