South to burry 10000 Genocide victims

NYANZA–Remains of 10,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi will be given a decent burial in the Southern Province as part of the 18th commemoration activities. Addressing a press conference at the Southern Province headquarters, Governor, Alphonse Munyantwari, noted Huye District has the largest number of victims with remains of over 7500 people to be reburied.“Offering the victims a decent burial is a way of honouring them and restoring their dignity,” he said “The population seems to have understood this message, which is a very good sign in building a united society”.He noted that new memorial sites were constructed across the province while the old ones were renovated in preparation for the commemoration period that starts on April 7.One of the newly built sites is located in Cyanika sector, Nyamagabe District. 30000 Genocide victims were buried there in February. Construction of the site is estimated to have cost Rwf 22m.Munyantwari told journalists that discussions and public lectures on Genocide, reconciliation, reconstruction and the role of the Rwandan and international community against Genocide and its ideology have been scheduled in various parts of the province.He urged residents to actively take part in all the scheduled events during this period as a way of strengthening unity and reconciliation.Huye District Mayor, Eugene Kayiranga Muzuka, noted that trauma counsellors have been organised ahead of the commemorations. “They are ready to offer health and counselling services to anyone who might be affected during the commemoration period,” Muzuka said.Statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that last year over 550 people were treated for emotional breakdown during the commemoration period. 89% of them were women and girls.This year’s commemoration week will be held under the theme; “Let us learn from our history to shape a bright future.”

National

South to burry 10000 Genocide victims