District authorities and youth leaders have been asked to establish national round tables where interactive discussions to promote unity and togetherness among Rwandans are held. These forums would set up committees representing the people and will be charged with the responsibility to give ideas with the aim of contributing to lasting national progress. According to Fatuma Ndangiza the Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) this would strengthen the cooperation between the commission and other stake holders in peace building efforts. She said tha during the launch of the youth forum at La Palisse Nyandungu yesterday, Ndangiza challenged all Rwandans to own a share of the county’s history and subsequently plan for a better future. “Youth are the backbone of the nation; their dynamism is what made the majority of them participate in the dark days of the country during the genocide. You should build on your strong points and build unity at the national level,” she said. Sylvie Nsanga, the Executive secretary and acting chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC), called upon collective participation and condemned youth associations which do not put what they preach into action. “We discourage those who do not do what they are supposed to do and only hide in the name of promoting unity among the youth. They should come up with clear clarifications of how they work and we shall support them as much as we can,” Nsanga said. NURC has been organizing consultations with different groups like faith leaders, the media and women representatives to discuss about their role in the promotion of unity and reconciliation. These forums will meet every three months to create a platform for discussion on unity and reconciliation and to evaluate and report on their role and participation in reconciliation. Ends
