MUHANGA – Residents of Mushishiro Sector have been urged to resolve issues of unpaid damages incurred during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in the area.

The call was made by Patrick Gatwaza, the district official in charge of Territorial Administration and Decentralised Governance, at the end of Unity and Reconciliation Week, this Thursday.

The week that commenced on October 17 was marked by various events to reach out to survivors, including the planting of Unity Trees in each village in the district.

Gatwaza stated that there was no evidence of Genocide ideology in Mushishiro Sector; but added that unresolved cases of paying damaged property may be a setback towards the reconciliation process.

He urged residents to find a way of solving genocide-related cases through dialogue, intervention of community and local leaders.

Mushishiro Genocide survivors said that there has been progress in unity and reconciliation process among residents.

"The steps made are commendable and we call upon residents to provide more information about Genocide while seeking forgiveness as a path towards reconciliation,” said Hilaria Mukeshimana, the survivors’ representative.

She urged local leaders to address the issue of dilapidated houses of survivors, lack of health insurance and the need to renovate the sector’s memorial site.

Exonerated Genocide convicts also made a commitment to work towards unity and rebuilding of the community.

"I am glad to have been forgiven to rejoin the community. I will work towards the progress of this community,” said Alphonse Nzamutuma.

Ends