Reconciliation efforts attain 80% milestone – NURC report

A new report released by the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) indicates that reconciliation in the country has increased by 80 percent, the highest level of national harmony since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The report ‘Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer (RRB)’ targeted people aged 18 and above with the majority of interviewees, 90.8 percent, being rural residents. The research, which aimed at assessing the reconciliation in the country, was based on various variables including social cohesion, political culture, human security and transitional justice. Other factors were citizenship and identity as well as the current understanding of the past. According to Retired Bishop John Rucyahana, the president of the NURC, the findings confirm that Rwandans are committed to developing themselves instead of focusing on the issues that divide them. “Unity and reconciliation has greatly grown and we are now embarking on the remaining 20 percent to ensure that they are also at the same level with others. Reconciliation is just a process and we thank God for having given us the 80 percent,” he observed. According to the report, 90 percent of Rwandans have confidence and trust in their leadership, public institutions and rule of law. The report further noted that 94.3 percent of citizens believe that the country is secure and has economic equality as well as freedom of expression. After releasing the findings yesterday at Telecom House, Kigali, participants were given a chance to testify about the current reconciliation status and some people whose families were killed during the 1994 Genocide aired out how they reconciled with perpetrators. Louise Uwamungu from Lweru Sector in Bugesera District, noted that the only way to reconcile is to speak the truth and forgive, adding that the creation of cooperatives where people engage and work together greatly contributes towards reconciliation. “Unity and reconciliation can never exist unless people tell the truth. Today, we are in cooperatives that include members who killed our families, like this man, Matabaro, who is seated here. He killed my family, but we are now living together, working together and I forgave him.” she testified. She further pointed out that it was essential for people to discuss the causes of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and bring together victims as well their assailants saying it would help promote clemency. The report further indicates that, today, 98 percent of Rwandans are proud of being citizens of the country highlighting that they prefer being identified as Rwandans rather than Hutu, Tutsi or Twa. The researchers also points out that 98 percent of nationals blame the way history was taught believing it inflamed divisions while 94.7 percent consider that the way it is being taught now encourages reconciliation. Bishop Rucyahana noted that the country is on the right track despite various challenges. “There are some countries that are not happy with the way Rwandans are reconciling and developing, especially those who engaged in supporting the Genocide. However, for us, we shall continue to focus on what we do and I am optimistic that our country is on the right track” he noted. He criticised some international critics who deny that there is reconciliation in the country, challenging them to scrutinise the report and ascertain the true picture.