Africa-Press – Rwanda. Members of Unity Club Intwararumuri on Friday, May 30, joined elderly genocide survivors, known as Intwaza, from Impinganzima homes in Nyanza District to mark the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The commemoration event held in Mushirarungu Village, Rwabicuma Sector, honoured the memory of 527 Tutsi from 34 families who were killed during the 1994 Genocide. Intwaza were commended for standing as a symbol of Rwanda’s rebirth and unity.
One of the Intwaza, Joséphine Icyitegetse from Mugombwa Sector in Gisagara District, shared a harrowing testimony, recalling how she witnessed her children being brutally murdered. Some of the killers were Burundians from Saga refugee camp, she said.
Icyitegetse said that the 1994 Genocide was systematically planned and the masterminds intended to wipe out the Tutsi population. She narrated how she narrowly escaped death a day before she and other women were set to be killed, thanks to the timely arrival of RPF/A-Inkotanyi fighters.
Despite the pain of not knowing the whereabouts of her loved ones, or being able to give them a proper burial, she expressed joy at hearing the names of her husband and children publicly read during the commemoration.
“Although I do not know where my relatives are, or was able to give them a decent burial, hearing their names read out makes me happy,” she said.
“We thank you for your courage, for not giving up, and for your continued patience. You are worthy of this nation. You are a true symbol of resilience,” said Immaculée Kayitesi, the President of Avega Agahozo, the genocide widows’ association, who commended them for being an example of Rwanda’s resilience because of their strength and perseverance.
Kayitesi expressed gratitude to the country’s leadership for the love and compassion for Intwaza.
Julienne Uwacu, the Executive Secretary of Unity Club Intwararumuri, delivered a message on behalf of First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the chairperson of the organization, expressing solidarity with elderly genocide survivors and assuring them that they are not alone.
“We are determined to never leave you behind,” she said. “We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that you live well, with dignity and love. The perseverance you show us is a source of hope and strength that encourages us to remain close to you.”
Uwacu commended Intwaza for embodying unity and love, values they also extend to those around them, helping to preserve the legacy of humanity.
“We appreciate that you are passing these lessons on to the younger generations. It is an indelible legacy being transferred from elders to youth,” she noted.
“To the youth, we wish you a life rooted in unity and patriotism. Stand against division and genocide ideology. Your decision to spend time with Intwaza is a courageous act,” Uwacu told the young people who live near the Impinganzima home. The youth described the home as a historic place in Rwanda, since Intwaza bear witness to the country’s painful past through their testimonies.
“Continue to be guided by wisdom, and use your platforms, especially social media to share the truth about our country’s history. Stand against evil and discrimination, and be a symbol of peace and hope for the future,” she added.
Jean-Baptiste Niyitegeka, the President of Ibuka – the genocide survivors association – in Nyanza District, expressed gratitude to First Lady Jeannette Kagame for her role in transforming mindsets among leaders and promoting reconciliation among Rwandans through the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme.
“We are proud of this important step that has been taken. We have a serious responsibility to ensure that genocide ideology is completely eradicated,” he said. But Niyitegeka highlighted concerns about the return, from various places, of genocide perpetrators who were not prosecuted during the Gacaca courts period. He explained that due to a lack of witnesses and evidence, some of these people now live freely.
“This poses a major challenge to justice and national unity. We call for advocacy from relevant institutions to find sustainable solutions that will help ensure justice is served,” he added.
In 1996, the First Lady brought together spouses of Cabinet members with the aim of promoting cohesion among themselves and working together to enhance unity and peace; hence the name Unity Club Intwararumuri.
In Kinyarwanda, Intwararumuri means torch bearer.
Unity Club’s mission is to enhance unity and peace as the foundation for the country’s sustainable development.
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