On Sunday, 7th April this year, Rwandans will mark the 19th commemoration of the genocide against Tutsi.
Though 19 years down the road, the scars, trauma and other horrific memories are still engulfing the lives of many Rwandans especially survivors who escaped the horror that rocked the country in a hundred days.
After the genocide, the government of Rwanda started yet another war of rebuilding the country. On its reconstruction agenda, unity and reconciliation was among the top priorities for the country that had faced massive hatred among its citizens.
In Nyagatare District, residents say, the government policy has been tremendously implemented.
“As we commemorate the genocide against Tutsi, we celebrate many achievements attained as a result of good leadership but amongst all, we hail the reconciliation progress we have made in the last 19 years. This is seen in the way we work together and help each other regardless of one’s origin or colour,” said Landoward Mugema, a resident of Karama sector.
According to Mugema, who was born and raised in the area, it was a dream for one to believe that Rwandans will once live as one.
“I am a genocide survivor who lost many relatives. We were hurt by the mass killings that left our brothers and sisters dead. We didn’t have more hope of reconciling with our perpetrators. But the government helped us regain that hope and we are living together with them.”
Marriete Mukamuhizi, another genocide survivor in Mimuri sector, now lives a role model life after publicly announcing her reconciliation with Jean Marie Uwimana, a genocide convict who killed her husband during the genocide.
“It was not easy to forgive him. But after consecutive reconciliation meetings I attended, I got a heart to forget everything and focus on living a harmonious life,” she said.
In an interview, the District vice mayor in charge of social affairs, Charlotte Musabyimana said that the District has been involved in massive campaign to promote unity and reconciliation.
“One of the most priorities we put forward is putting residents in a mood of feeling one. We do this through meetings at village levels where residents sit and discuss issues related to reconciliation,” she said.
This year’s genocide commemoration week will be held on village levels countrywide.