Genocide victims remains laid to rest in Muhanga

MUHANGA- The role of parents and youth is critical in fighting the Genocide ideology, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture, Protais Mitali, said Thursday.Mitali made remarks while addressing mourners at Kabgayi Genocide memorial site. The memorial was held to commemorate thousands of Tutsis massacred at the Catholic stronghold during the 1994 Genocide.

Saturday, June 04, 2011

MUHANGA- The role of parents and youth is critical in fighting the Genocide ideology, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture, Protais Mitali, said Thursday.

Mitali made remarks while addressing mourners at Kabgayi Genocide memorial site. The memorial was held to commemorate thousands of Tutsis massacred at the Catholic stronghold during the 1994 Genocide.

25 Genocide victims were accorded a decent burial at the event which was preceded by a solemn mass led by Bishop Smargade Mbonyintege of the Kabgayi Diocese.

Muhanga District Mayor, Yvonne Mutakwasuku, said the remains of 17 victims were found dumped in Fatima zone near the diocese, while the rest were recently recovered from other sectors.

"There is still a lack of information on the whereabouts of other victims, and it’s important that residents come up straight and give leads, so that Genocide victims are given a decent burial,” Mutakwasuku said.

The district is also currently undertaking feasibility study to construct a modern site estimated at Rwf 200 million. The land was donated by Kagbayi Catholic Church.

Officials of the umbrella organisation of Genocide survivors association (Ibuka) urged residents and survivors to document the history of the Genocide at Kabgayi.

It also requested residents to volunteer information on where victims were dumped to accord them a befitting burial.

Minister Mitali stated that government will not tolerate anyone who denies or tries to conceal information on the Genocide.

He encouraged residents to work hard towards unity and reconciliation by speaking the truth on what happened.

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