The visiting President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou N’Guesso, has called on African leaders to ensure prevention and protection of their people from civil wars and Genocide.

He made the call, yesterday, after visiting Gisozi Genocide Memorial, home to the remains of over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that left over one million people dead.

"What I have seen at the memorial leaves me almost speechless. I am emotionally disturbed by the horror that befell this country,” said the President, who is in the country on a three-day State visit.

"It’s a pity that we face such problems. Africa lacks preventive measures against such atrocities and it is upon us to ensure that we protect our people from such tragedies,” he said.

N’Guesso noted that what happened in Rwanda can easily happen in any other country if not prevented, adding that it was important to emphasise the Never Again doctrine.

"I visited the section of child victims in the memorial. It’s unbelievable how ruthless people can be,” N’Guesso said, adding: "But, what is impressive is that Rwandans have chosen to move on”.

"I leave Rwandans with a message of hope. Rwanda is benefiting from good leadership that has a good plan for its people. There is hope among Rwandans; they are committed to building a brighter future and prevent such a tragedy from happening again”.

After visiting the memorial, President N’Guesso toured Inyange industries, a food and beverages processing factory. He encouraged the firm to export its products to the Republic of Congo.

Speaking to The New Times, John Bosco Birungi, the Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Ventures, which owns Inyange, said that President N’Guesso promised to source for a market for Inyange products back in his country.

Birungi added that Inyange is currently expanding its market coverage by exporting its products to neighbouring countries.

Inyange processes about 20,000 litres of milk daily but has the capacity of 100,000 litres.

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