Residents offer support to survivors

NYAMASHEKE – Residents of Kibogora, Kanjongo sector, in Nyamasheke district have donated over Rwf 2 m to survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in the area. The money and other gifts as well as foodstuffs were collected as part of activities to mark the 16th commemoration. “Kibogora residents suggested that donating to the survivors during the commemoration period would be a great sign of unity,” said Marie Josiane Mukankusi, the Executive Secretary of Kibogora Cell. Mukankusi hailed the offer as a step toward fighting trauma among the survivors. “Such kind of gestures goes a long way in restoring the lost faith and hope among those aggrieved by the genocide. When trust is built among survivors and former genocide perpetrators, then fear and trauma is bound to reduce,” added Mukankusi. According to Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, the Nyamasheke district Mayor, Kibogora residents have had a spirit of helping each other. “This is one of the few places where people saved Tutsis during the genocide. Where I was, a person would never hide a Tutsi under their roof for more than three weeks, they would always change their mind and kill them,” he said, commending the residents’ support. “We shall not look back, we shall do all we can to make sure that unity prevails among us,” said one resident. The reconciliation efforts in Kibogora cell also involved the construction of houses for survivors. Ends