An atmosphere of cheerfulness was evident in a conference hall of the Gabiro School of Infantry as lawmakers on Friday concluded a three-day retreat focused on buttressing the Ndi Umunyarwanda initiative. The legislators, from both chambers of the House, agreed that it is a tough path to tread but they understand the essence of walking it and, that there were signs it would be successful.  The deputies and senators agreed to put to an end the bad culture of silence on matters that would otherwise disrupt the nation’s unity and reconciliation agenda; shunning individuals who propagate politics of ethnicity; as well as robustly chastising the genocide ideology. "We have resolved to reject individuals who support or propagate the idea that there was double Genocide in this country,” MP Francois Byabarumwanzi said, as he read out the resolutions adopted by the legislators. They also resolved to stand up for a positive ideology as well as take it to all the population; play a more vibrant role in being good role models for Rwandans; enlightening children –beginning from theirs–about the country’s sad history so that they don’t fall prey to the dangerous narratives of people keen on detracting the country’s progress. Meanwhile, MP John Ruku Rwabyoma, who repatriated from North America to run for parliament this year, suggested that the Diaspora community, too, needs attention, saying among them, there is a ‘sick’ group bent on taking the country back to the dark past from which it has emerged.  While officially closing the retreat, Senate president Jean Damascène Ntawukuliryayo, said he was pleased by what they achieved in such a short time, saying it was an indicator that more can be achieved for the good of the nation. "I want to emphasise that no Rwandan, whether in the country or outside, should not see themselves as part of this noble initiative,” he said. He stressed that leaders must always remember the oath they take when they begin leading, in their various capacities. "This zeal is not only critical when it comes to our country’s unity and reconciliation agenda, but it is also something we should always bear in mind,” the Senate President said, later adding: "This Ndi Umunyarwanda initiative is actually the core of our country’s policy.” Ntawukuliryayo further stressed that every effort must be made to ensure that after the resolutions they had came up with, there must be results, at least not later than the next five years.  In the retreat, lawmakers discussed four key issues including the role of leadership in destroying as well as building a nation; unity and reconciliation and consequences of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.The retreat’s broad objective was to cement unity and reconciliation, and bring the ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ campaign to lawmakers; so that they can also ably help other Rwandans embrace it. They, among others, agreed on a working plan of taking the campaign to all Rwandans.

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About  ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ The Ndi Umunyarwanda initiative was borne out of the recent YouthConnektDialogue, which aimed at looking beyond what divides Rwandans to have a nation built on trust.

It is by and large an initiative by youths aimed at having open dialogue, telling the truth, repentance, forgiveness and healing to strengthen the culture of accountability as well as unity and reconciliation.