Impore Nyakabanda, a group of Genocide survivors and residents in Rwezamenyo and Nyakabanda sectors of Nyarugenge district, on Sunday, June 25 honoured and remembered over 400 family members who lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
The annual remembrance took place at Tapis Rouge, a former site of immense suffering that now symbolizes healing, resilience, and hope. The event aimed to showcase the strength and unity of Rwandans while fostering a sense of togetherness among diverse communities.
The commemoration began with the laying of wreaths at three memorial sites: College St. Andre, Rwagasana memorial site, and St. Joseph memorial site. Each memorial wall displayed at least 200 names of genocide victims. Through powerful testimonies and emotional reflections, the solemn gathering provided a platform for healing, remembrance, and a renewed commitment to building a harmonious future for the residents of these sectors.
During the event, Paulin Rugero, a genocide survivor highlighted that most of the victims were likely killed at roadblocks along a nearby main road. Their houses were demolished, and they were often betrayed by their neighbors. The survivors' testimonies painted a vivid picture of the horrors they witnessed and the inner strength that enabled them to endure.
Florence Ntakontagize, the Executive Secretary of Nyakabanda sector, stressed the urgent need to uncover concealed information regarding the whereabouts of the remains of genocide victims. She argued that the location, formerly known as the Nyakabanda cellule and now Rwezamenyo and Nyakabanda sectors, served as a base for genocide perpetrators, and the actual number of Tutsi victims is likely higher than the estimates.
Ntakontagize said, "There is still a long way to go. This requires public mobilization and sensitization to engage young people and educate them about the dark history of our country. By doing so, we eliminate space for genocide ideology and ensure that such atrocities will never happen again."
The event proceeded with the reading of names of those who lost their lives, paying tribute to create a sense of closeness with the deceased.
Jean-Claude Rukemampunzi, President of Ibuka in Nyarugenge district, commended Impore Nyakabanda for their initiative and resilience in preserving their painful history. However, he also emphasized the importance of uncovering concealed information about the whereabouts of genocide victims&039; remains, particularly for residents in specific areas. He argued that discovering these remains is an essential part of the healing process for the survivors.
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Eric Eugène Murangwa, a member of 'Impore Nyakabanda' and a football veteran, explained that the newly formed initiative aimed to organize and unite Genocide survivors from the specific areas.
"Together, we join efforts to commemorate through various means, such as erecting memorials, implementing educational programs, documenting testimonies, and advocating for the families that were completely wiped out. These efforts aim to preserve the memory of those who perished and ensure that the atrocities are not forgotten."