The umbrella body of Genocide survivors’ associations, IBUKA, plans to conduct a research study on the impact of commemorating Genocide in the country.

In an interview with The New Times yesterday, Janvier Forongo, the Executive Secretary of IBUKA, said that the five-month study scheduled to begin early next month, would be conducted in ten districts.

"We want to establish the impact of Genocide commemoration in the rehabilitation process of Genocide survivors and the Rwandan society in general,” Forongo said.

He pointed out that the annual remembrance events have significantly played a key role in the reconciliation process among Rwandans, but added that there was still need to learn more about it.

The official pointed out that the research would also include ascertaining the current status of Genocide memorial sites across the country.

Forongo also noted that that the research will enable IBUKA to come up with recommendations on how best district authorities can regularly look after the memorial sites instead of waiting to rehabilitate them towards the commemoration periods.

He pointed out that some Genocide memorials such as Bisesero in Karongi District and Nyarubuye in Kirehe District, are in a poor state, saying that they will work with concerned authorities to rehabilitate them as soon as possible.

Jean Paul Muganizi, a Genocide survivor in Remera Sector, Gasabo District said: "I think this research will enable Rwandans in general to have the same consensus in as far as remembering those who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.”

He also requested other institutions to organise similar studies in the country, saying it would help to reduce on cases of Genocide ideology in the country.

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