The Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace, has embarked on fighting the denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, through films of what transpired during the horrendous 100 days. The institute staged a show at Kacyiru sector offices of Gasabo district. Residents watched and listened to various opinions from contributors about the Genocide. Thereafter, Peace Uwineza , a researcher with IRDP revealed research findings that showed tendencies of denial of the Genocide. According to Uwineza, one of the ways through which negation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi can be dealt with is by making people to remember it through such events. “Based on the research findings, some people deny that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi did not happen as you have been hearing some opinions. They go on to term it the way they feel. One of the ways to handle this issue is to refresh the memories of society so that people can realize their mistakes and ask for forgiveness in order to reconcile.” She explained that as others do not believe in remembering the tragedy, it is important to note that the young generation must understand the history of their country through such events and the national commemoration. “Unless we maintain strategies of remembering this tragedy like putting it in writing, showing films, some people will never realize the wrong they did. Our children too should know and understand what happened to their motherland 15 years ago so it does not happen again,” Uwineza said. She added that the tendency of denial can never be a step to solve a problem because people will never ask for forgiveness nor will the aggrieved forgive. Jane Nyamuhungu, the Head of Ihuriro cell, commended the event and urged IRDP to pass it on to other parts of the country as a way to enlighten residents about the truth of the Genocide. “People have watched and I believe each of us has a story to tell about the hard times of 1994 against the Tutsi,” Nyamuhungu said. Ends
