NORTHERN PROVINCE Musanze—Extremism “bent towards polarisation” through Genocide ideology has no place in Rwanda, according to the secreatary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. Fatuma Ndangiza cautioned those spreading harm in Northern Province, and told then opening of a three-day IBUKA seminar that though forgiveness would be the backbone of the country’s success, security was paramount. “We shall only realize reconciliation after forgiveness from those who were affected and repentence from the perpetrators,” Ndangiza said.She asked the genocide survivors to move from a position of victimhood to one of strength. “The survivors should have a role to play in consolidation of peace and reconciliation and the developmental activities taking place,” she added. “Other than living a life of misery and trauma, you should go above talking about the atrocities of 1994 [Genocide] and struggle for progress.” The genocide survivors raised concerns over the continued harassment, especially to Gacaca witnesses. Lack of housing is considered another top problem. District Mayor Celestin Kalabayinga suggested periodical meetings to asses the progress of the survivors in development and their general welfare. The Genocide survivors shared experiences on the long-term strategies plotted right from the regime of Gregory Kayibanda and Juvenari Habyarimana to exterminate the Tutsi and the moderate Hutus. They pointed to an ideology of alienation and dehumanisation, which subjected the Tutsi as cockroaches and snakes. Ends
