US-BASED Rwandan musician Benjamin Mugisha, popularly known as The Ben, has joined Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in paying tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and comforting survivors as the country commemorates for the 28th time. The commemoration week came to a close on April 13, but commemoration activities will go on over a period of 100 days, until July 4 when Rwanda celebrates the Liberation Day. In an interview with a local news outlet, The Ben also heaped praise on the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) for stopping the Genocide, saying that it could have been a lot worse if it were not for the liberation force. He also urged Rwandans, especially the young ones, to protect what has been achieved in the last 28 years. “The commemoration time for me helps me to reflect on three things,” said the artiste, “Of course I pay tribute to the over one million victims of the Genocide, condole with the survivors in this heavy period and salute RPA for the bravery and sacrifices they made to stop the Genocide. “It is hard to imagine what would have happened without RPA,” he added. The ‘Habibi’ singer further called on Rwandans to be near the survivors and comfort them in this period. “This is a special time to be near the survivors and comfort them.” Artiste, The Ben.
