The president of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) Bishop (Rtd), John Rucyahana, has said that Rwanda’s traditional custom of ending enmity and hostility among worrying families-Gukaraba Inzingo, is reflected today through availing equal opportunities for all.

Reacting to a question on adaptation of the historical concept of ending enmity and possibility of revenge among families where killings occurred, known as Gutereka Intango, posed to him by a Rwandan living in the Diaspora, Rucyahana said that the policy of open prospects for all sums up the concept.

Speaking to The New Times, Rucyahana, observed that there are tangible aspects that cement the bond of co-existence, leading to unity and reconciliation,

He highlighted that in the traditional framework of unity and reconciliation, if a person from one clan killed another in a different clan, the leaders gathered to share a big pot of beer, Gutereka Intango, paid compesation and cleansed the person who committed the murder which signified Gukaraba Inzingo.

"We have the scientific approach, where the country has deep and open opportunities for all, today every child has the right to free primary education,  students scholarships, integration of the army, one cow per family programme, and rehabilitation of the ex-combatants returning from rebel activities” Rucyahana further explained.

During the recent fourth congress of the Unity Club in Kigali, a member from the Diaspora proposed that the concept be reintroduced as part of cementing unity and reconciliation

"Everyone is entitled to enjoy rights, get a passport, own land, and engage in all forms of business, and you can lead a cow to a well but can’t force it to drink.”

The ground has been levelled for all of us, every body should work harder to utilize the available opportunities” Rucyahana said.
 
After Gukaraba Inzigo, families pledged to end enmity with no possibility of revenge whatsoever, thus opening up a new page between worrying families.

"People need to understand that it’s all a new page in a new nation, there are tangible things which serve to create a strong bond, bring happiness and their unity” he added.

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