The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana joined thousands of residents of Nyagatare District to mark the 21st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event held on April 10 in Nyagatare Sector focused on fighting against genocide denial and ideology. He Gasana told the residents that Police will continue its mandate of protecting the memory of Genocide, and urged them to use the occasion to enhance historical clarity, get closer to survivors as well as educate the public in ensuring that the inhuman act never happens again. “Police will ensure to perform its mandate in ensuring that peace, safety and order are maintained while the rest of the country remembers the loved ones that we lost in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” he said. “It is important that we all stand together and fight against any form of action aimed at negating the Genocide. Rwanda is now a new chapter despite what happened. We were able to rise out of ashes to create one of the most secure countries across the globe where safety has bred a ground for fast development.” He added that through collaboration with Interpol and other international and regional security organs, Rwanda police had ensured that genocide fugitives all over the world are brought to justice, and will continue to pursue those still in hiding until they face justice. The head of the Genocide Fugitive Tracking Unit, Jean Bosco Siboyintore, told residents to desist from any behavior aimed at dehumanizing or threatening Genocide survivors or engaging in any unlawful activities aimed at belittling the memory of what happened in 1994. “Let us adhere to Rwandan laws that prohibit crimes against humanity and those that protect against revisionist and defamatory ideologies. These laws were put in place to fight anything that can take us back to the past, yet we have moved on,” he said. Under article 135 of the penal code, any person who commits the crime of genocide ideology and other related offences shall be liable to a term of imprisonment between five and nine years and a fine ranging between Rwf100,000 and Rwf1 million. This years Kwibuka21, held at Umudugudu (Village) level, is running under the theme Fighting against Genocide Denial and Revision.
