The management and staff of the Association of Pentecostal Churches of Rwanda (ADEPR), on Wednesday, April 19, paid tribute to the victim of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and visited Murambi Genocide Memorial site in Nyamagabe district
At Murambi Genocide Memorial site, the staff learned about genocide history in Rwanda and honoured more than 50,000 victims laid to rest at the memorial.
Murambi genocide memorial is the site of one of the most unforgettable horrors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi since refugees flocked to the half-built technical school when they were told that this is where they would be kept safe.
Some of the remains of Genocide victims have been exhumed and preserved with powdered lime together with victims’ belongings like clothes they wore when they were killed as proof of the genocide that took place in the area.
The staff had a view of embalmed bodies of the victims that are kept in open space for visitors as well as monuments with names of the victims to witness the scale and nature of the death that the victims experienced in Murambi.
"As management and staff of ADEPR, we have to learn about genocide history, particularly genocide history in Murambi which shows a picture of how genocide was planned and executed as well as its effects.
The knowledge will help the staff in all 30 districts to strengthen capacity in healing wounds of genocide survivors,” said Isaie Ndayizeye, Senior Pastor of ADEPR church Rwanda who was heading about 100 visitors to the memorial.
The staff laid wreaths on a grave in which over 50,000 genocide victims are buried and thereafter lit and shared light of hope after learning and understanding genocide history in the area.
Pastor Ndayizeye appreciated the management and staff for participating in commemoration activities.
"ADEPR has a big role in fostering unity and reconciliation among Rwandans. That is why this year we focused on staff to visit the memorial to learn and continue to participate in other commemoration activities ahead,” he said.
Rwf170million
"During 100 days of commemoration, we will carry out different commemoration activities across the country. we will support vulnerable genocide survivors including those in need of shelter, cows, and others. The support will cost over Rwf170 million.
We have to build both the church and the spirits as well as contribute to the nation’s growth. We do this by learning from genocide history as we did at Murambi genocide memorial,” Pastor Ndayizeye noted.
He said that commemoration activities will take place at 143 sites across the country.
He urged staff to play role in reconciling Rwandans starting from the church.
"We know that some pastors were involved in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi who are children of God. We know that Tutsi were killed in the churches. The current ADEPR leadership should learn a lesson and plays a big role in rebuilding this country by supporting unity and reconciliation efforts,” he said.
He added that ADEPR church has also launched an initiative to support healing and resilience efforts in the country.
"Now that genocide perpetrators are being released, we have to tell them to repent, and ask forgiveness as a way of fostering reconciliation. The staff in different departments of ADEPR have to be ready for this. We have also to put the effort into fighting genocide ideology and denial which were are experiencing on social media. We will use media channels to fight against this,” he noted.
Jean De Dieu Uwizeye, an animator at Association Modeste et Innocent Organization highlighted the role of talking about genocide history, its effects, and resilience as part of the healing journey for genocide survivors.
Emmanuella Mahoro, a staff in charge of healing unit at ADEPR healing the wounds of genocide is a great foundation to build the present and the future.
"Healing process requires talking about the history and taking steps to heal trauma. Pastors and staff should take lead to rebuild the country and help genocide survivors to be resilient to the effects,” she noted.