[PHOTOS]: Youth urged on using tech to fight genocide ideology

The youth should take initiative to play their role in fighting genocide ideology through technology. The remarks were made as hundreds of people gathered at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Gisozi, on Friday, to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. Members of Rwanda Mountain Tea together with Petrocom, Tea Group Investment, and Societe Petroliere came together to commemorate for the 22nd time the Genocide. Mourners Lighting the flame of hope. They laid wreaths on the graves containing remains of over 250,000 Genocide victims, and then toured the museum where they were briefed about the history of the Genocide. They later listened to musical performances, testimonies, candle lighting, and discussion about fighting genocide ideology, which is this year’s theme. Yves Kamurosi, Aegis Trust country director speaks during the commemoration event. A short film was also screened portraying the stories of some of the survivors and their lives after the Genocide.James Zirimu, in-charge of Genocide survivors’ advocacy at the National Commission of the fight against Genocide (CNLG), stressed the importance of remembrance. “Rwandans will never stop to remember, it’s part of our life, it’s our history and it reminds us what we passed through. We draw strength from it to continue to the next level. As we remember we need to create a generation of people who will keep our history alive. This is of course the young people,” he said. Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre staff briefs the mourners on the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi history. (Julius Bizimungu) Zirimu said the rise of technology is making it easier for those who want to deny the genocide, and called on young people to take the initiative to play their role in fighting genocide ideology. “Young people make up the largest population of Rwandans, they are the ones who use technology tools more than any other group of people, they spend most of their time on social media. They must use these important platforms to fight against genocide ideology,” he said. Top leaders laid wreaths on the graves containing bodies of the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. (All photos by Julius Bizimungu) Meanwhile, Bonaventure Niyibizi, representative of the four groups, said that: “We have to remember everyday, that’s how we can fight the persisting genocide ideology and denial. Remembering is not a ceremony but a statement of our love to the Genocide victims.” “Rebuilding this nation is the only way for us. Failure would be accepting to be victims forever.” James Zirimu, in-charge of Genocide survivors’ advocacy at the National Commission of the fight against Genocide (CNLG) editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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[PHOTOS]: Youth urged on using tech to fight genocide ideology