Africa-Press – Rwanda. Over 500 members of the Rwanda Association of Petroleum Products Importers (ASSIMPER) paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on April 30. The petroleum dealers held a walk to remember and visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where they laid wreaths on mass graves containing the remains of over 250,000 victims.
This solemn act was a gesture of respect towards the victims, survivors, and former petroleum products dealers who lost their lives during the 100 days of Genocide.
Eric Mutaganda, President of ASSIMPER, emphasised the association’s responsibility to commemorate the Genocide during a press briefing, underscoring the importance of educating young generations and foreigners about the Genocide to prevent such atrocities from ever occurring again.
Eric Mutaganda, President of ASSIMPER, lighting candles with other mourners at Kigali Genocide Memorial
Mariya Yohani sings a commemoration song at the event at Kigali Genocide Memorial
Mutaganda highlighted the progress made in the petroleum sector over the past 30 years since the Genocide, attributing its success to dedicated leadership and strategic efforts. He emphasised the widespread availability of petroleum products across the country, with imports reaching between 40 and 50 million litres monthly.
Mourners during a guide tour of the memorial
During the rebuilding process, there is a concerted effort to attract young people to the profession and support Genocide survivors through various initiatives.
“We are actively encouraging youth participation in this essential industry, as petroleum and oil play a critical role in both the national economy and the well-being of citizens. Engaging the youth ensures the continued growth of this sector and supports grassroots projects benefiting survivors.”
Saibou Coulibaly, the Managing Director at Vivo Energy Rwanda and a member of the association, has been in Rwanda for four years. Each time he participates in the commemoration, it is an experience that reinforces his commitment to ensuring that genocide never happens again.
“Personally, as Africans, we see the need to unite, rebuild, and renew. We do this by educating ourselves—especially Rwandan visitors who may not fully understand what happened here. Visiting the memorial is the most effective way to grasp the atrocities. Being here is like a flashback; the gravity of what happened cannot be expressed just in words. You have to see it for yourself. We need to encourage more African leaders and everyone in politics to witness the effects of divisionism,” said Coulibaly.
Mourners observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi
Francine Havugimana, a survivor of the Genocide, lost both her parents, who were petroleum dealers, when she was just 15 years old. She and her siblings were assisted by Pierantonio Costa, the Italian honorary consul to Rwanda in 1994, who helped them obtain passports to travel as Italian citizens.
Upon arriving in Kenya, where her father owned 11 transport trucks, they faced what seemed to be a threat on their lives to seize their father’s assets. Fortunately, family friends in Kenya intervened to save them. “It was nearly impossible to leave the airport without proper documentation. These former colleagues and friends of my father had to bribe officials to secure our release.”
“Settling in Kenya and rebuilding our lives was incredibly challenging. The legal system initially refused to return our father’s assets, specifically Barclays. However, within a week, industry colleagues of my father reached out and provided support, despite not being obligated to do so.
“We’ve become resilient despite the long journey. Returning to Rwanda was complicated by our parents’ business loans. Banks demanded payments, leading us to sell properties to settle these debts. I&M Bank, formerly BCR, guided us in the loan repayment process. Unfortunately, BACAR imposed fraudulent charges exceeding Rwf600 million, leading to a legal battle that left us financially unsupported.”
In Rwanda, the monthly consumption of gasoline amounts to 11 million litres, with diesel consumption reaching 26 million litres. Tanzania currently stands as the primary source of imports for petroleum products into the country, whereas Kenya represents the smallest source. The Rwanda Association of Petroleum Products Importers boasts a membership of over 15 registered vendors.
Saibou Coulibaly , Managing Director- Vivo Energy during the commemoration event
Eric Mutaganda, President of ASSIMPER, addresses mourners during the commemoration event at Kigali Genocide Memorial. Courtesy
Col Mugisha Vincent delivers his remarks at the commemoration event
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