By Jejje Muhinde
More than 1,000 residents of Kanombe on Tuesday, April 9 joined the rest of the Rwandans to mark the 25th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi at Rubilizi cell in Kanombe Sector, Kicukiro District.
The residents were joined by Rwanda Defense Forces soldiers from Kanombe, officers from the Rwanda National Police, the youth and district officials to pay tribute the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Member of Parliament, Christian Muhongayire was the guest of honor who joined Kanombe residents during the commemoration. She thanked the residents as well as the RPF army for ending the genocide in 1994.
Hon. Muhongayire urged survivors to be calm and composed in such a period of time while they are remembering their loved ones who were killed during the genocide against the Tutsi.
“We stand here tonight to remember those innocent lives killed, the survivors and the Rwandan community in general. This happened as the whole world watched,” Pastor James Gasana said.
During the event, a flame of remembrance was lit, prayers, commemoration songs were sung by TLC miracle center choir in honour of over a million innocent lives slaughtered 25 years ego.
One of the members from IBUKA, Gorette gave a testimony of what happened in 1994. Her message was of easing pain for survivors, she also urged Rwandans to make sure Genocide should never happen.
Present was also Dr. Felicien Usengamukiza who reminded the resident about the ten factors that led the killings to a genocide. He also reminded the residents about the consequences of genocide against the Tutis and urged youth to fight its ideology.
“The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal solved over 75 cases, but if it was not for Gacaca courts introduced by Rwanda we would not solve over 1,958,634 cases. If Rwandans had not taken steps, these cases would take over years to be solved by ICTR in Arusha,” Dr. Usengamukiza added.
In an interactive session, gave residents had an opportunity to male remarks, ask questions while the Genocide survivors gave testimonies.
