All set for 17th commemoration

KIGALI - Rwanda today will today mark the 17th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with a commemoration week that runs up to 13th this month. According to Jean de Dieu Mucyo the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), the day starts with the lighting of a Candle of Hope at Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre by President Paul Kagame. “After the memorial centre, we shall proceed to Amahoro Stadium where several activities to commemorate genocide will take place, including speeches, songs and genocide testimonies from the survivors,” he added. Mucyo said that at noon, a one minute of silence will be observed in remembrance of the victims. This year’s commemoration is being held under the theme “Commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi: Upholding the Truth; Preserving our Dignity.’ He added that during the week, night vigils will be held across the country where survivors’ testimonies and films on the Genocide will be screened. Mucyo pointed out that for the entire week, work in both the public and private institutions will proceed as usual in the mornings, while the in the afternoons, all communities will be expected to gather for vigils in their respective communities. On April 9, there will be a Walk to Remember, to raise awareness among the youth, calling on them to take the lead in preventing such atrocities. On April 11, a commemoration event will take place at Nyanza Memorial Centre in Kicukiro District where more than 5,000 people were killed. Mucyo further stressed that a Genocide Exhibition started on April 4 at Petit Stade and will run up to the 12th and portrays how the 1994 massacre of the Tutsis was carried out as well as its aftermath. The national commemoration week will be concluded at Rebero Genocide Memorial Site to honour politicians who opposed the genocidal regime. Ends