CAR delegation here on reconciliation study tour

A delegationof 10 officials from the Central African Republic (CAR) is in the country for a seven-day study tour. In Rwanda since Monday, the group on Tuesday met with officials at the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, and Ministry of Justice. The delegation is also scheduled to visit Avega Agahozo, the Bugesera reconciliation village, and Never Again Rwanda for learning experiences. The CAR minister for social affairs and national reconciliation, Virginie Baikoua, said they are looking to learn and borrow a leaf from various Rwandan government reconciliation initiatives. Central African Republic has been experiencing a civil strife since 2012. Baikoua, who is leading the delegation, said their country is planning to set up a new commission of truth, justice and reconciliation and, thus, needs a lot of information, knowledge and advice from countries like Rwanda – that have experience in the area – on how to realise their plan. “We can learn much from Rwanda in regards to how the country has healed from the tragedy of genocide and how it has been able to attain unity and reconciliation amongst its citizens,” she said. Fidele Ndayisaba, the executive secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, took the delegation through the history of Rwanda before and after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, expounding on some of the models the country implemented to bring about unity and reconciliation, among others. Speaking to the media, Ndayisaba said it is because of the willingness of Rwandans to unite and reconcile that makes other countries want to come and learn about the country’s governance system. “Indeed, Rwandans have become an example to many war-torn countries. Their willingness to put behind what befell us as a country and its citizens, choosing to go ahead towards development has made Rwanda become a model country to many,” he said. The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission has implemented a number of activities like civil education, peace building and conflict management, support to community initiatives, among others. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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CAR delegation here on reconciliation study tour