Members of both chambers of Parliament have been urged to play their roles to popularise the Ndi Umunyarwanda campaign.

Ndi Umunyarwanda literally translates to "I’m Rwandan” and is a campaign aimed at building a nation that is based on trust, through honest discussions about the nation’s history.

The call to the legislators was made yesterday, as they began a two-day retreat in Gabiro School of Infantry in Gatsibo District. It is believed the Ndi Umunyarwanda would go a long way in shaping "the Rwandan Spirit.”

During his presentation to the legislators, Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi said such an assembly is a critical and relevant opportunity for the country’s leadership to own up. 

"During the Genocide, people saved hundreds of lives but some of us never really cared. I had a vehicle but did nothing yet I know someone who managed to transport to safety over 200 people,” the premier said. 

Bishop John Rucyahana spoke about the status of unity and reconciliation in the country, saying some of the most notable achievements in this regard is the successful execution of the Gacaca process–largely by providing information, asking for forgiveness, forgiving and in other forms. 

Appalling ethnicity

Rucyahana is the chairperson of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC). 

He pointed to challenges especially as there are people who do not deny that they benefitted from the divisionism that wrecked the nation.  

It is even possible that today there are leaders, who speak the Tutsi or Hutu language and not the Rwandan language, he added. 

"All these likely scenarios are things we must open up about if we are to heal our nation. They could be stumbling blocks to our sustainable development,” Bishop Rucyahana said, adding that there are other concerns like the current situation where up to 30 per cent of Rwandans still "view themselves in the ethnic mirror.” 

He said challenges based on the winding of and case resolutions by Gacaca courts, including people who do not want to pay back what they destroyed, and others based on political interest such as "some politicians who stifle disunity among Rwandans, especially those outside the country.” 

Measures to counter this, he said, include efforts in profound dialogue, and continuing research on how to cement unity and reconciliation.