EASTERN PROVINCE

NGOMA — Inmates on genocide charges in various prisons across the country have been urged to confess their crimes if they are to seek for pardon.

Addressing inmates of Kibungo prison, last week, a senior official of Ngoma district said confessing and revealing the truth of what happened during the 1994 Genocide would foster unity and reconciliation among Rwandans.

Julius Kansime, the Vice Mayor in-charge of Finance and Economic Development, observed that this would in turn enhance development.

"There are many people who committed the same crimes like you but because they spoke the truth they were released and are now out there fostering peace with others. This is what we want from you," Kansime said.

There are about 2,400 inmates in Kibungo prison most of them on genocide charges. About 200 of them are females.

Kansime told the prisoners to use Genocide commemoration to reflect on their crimes and make a renewed commitment to prevent a similar occurrence.

He warned those still harbouring Genocide ideologies to redeem themselves, because the vice is no longer entertained in the country. Kansime challenged the inmates to start thinking on how they would live with others when their sentences come to term.

He added that they needed to work hard when they are released adding that the world is transforming faster and that Rwanda wouldn’t wish to see anyone left behind.

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