Genocide survivors' associations of IBUKA, AERG and GAERG-AHEZA have merged into one organisation, which will retain the name IBUKA. The merger seeks to join the associations' efforts to respond to effects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, both in Rwanda and abroad, according to a Sunday, December 8 statement announcing the decision. The merger is in line with efforts to join hands and reinvigorate the operations of the associations of survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the statement read in part. IBUKA, in collaboration with Rwandans in general and friends of Rwanda, will strive to keep the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi and will continue to disprove Genocide deniers and revisionists. The organisation will also continue to work with the Government of Rwanda as part of its policy of unity and resilience as one of the ways to build a country free of discrimination, the statement added. The new organisation's leaders were also announced after an election by its general assembly. Philbert Gakwenzire is the Chairperson. Christine Muhongayire is the first Vice-Chairperson, while Blaise Ndizihiwe is the second Vice-Chairperson. Louis de Montfort Mujyambere is the Secretary General. Aline Mpinganzima is the Commissioner in charge of Youth, Education and Culture. Janvier Bayingana is the Commissioner in charge of Commemoration, Resilience, Justice, and Sustainable Peacebuilding. Monique Gahongayire is the Commissioner in charge of Health and Gender Promotion, while Evode Ndatsikira is the Commissioner in charge of Research, Development, Capacity Building, and Investment.
