Rwamagana – The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) has started a campaign to rejuvenate community dialogues across the country.This was announced yesterday by Edward Munyamariza, a commissioner in NURC, while addressing Rwamagana local leaders and the district NURC forum.He said preparations for grassroots discussions on matters pertaining reconciliation were at an advanced stage.Munyaneza said the effects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were far reaching, adding that the wounds were still being felt 18 years after.“We cannot allow the past to haunt us…we need to continue addressing the aftermath of the Genocide, even after 18 years. Reconciliation created by Gacaca courts must be sustained and part of this is through the dialogues,” he said.Rwamagana District Mayor, Nehemie Uwimana, noted that reconciliation procedures were partially hampered by inability to compensate Genocide survivors. He, however, said he was optimistic that an amicable solution could be reached with time.“Those who destroyed property during the Genocide, have practically nothing to compensate the victims. Some deliberately dodge compensation. So, in such circumstances, the victim fails to ‘believe’ there is reconciliation,” he said.Wilson Gasasira, a member of NURC Forum in the district, reiterated the need to solve social issues in communities.“Community dialogues are vital to completely uproot forces that may divide the people. We need a holistic approach, so that interrelated causes of hatred are checked,” he said.
