Africa-Press – Rwanda. Employees of NETIS Rwanda, a subsidiary of the global telecommunications leader, NETIS Group, gathered at Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kigali to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, on Friday, April 12.
Their tour was designed to deepen Netis Rwanda employees’ understanding of the horrific events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, focusing particularly on its execution and the loss of over a million lives in just 100 days, with an emphasis on the massacres that took place in Nyanza, Kicukiro.
The company’s employees placed wreaths on a mass grave at the memorial which contains the remains of more than 105,000 victims of the Genocide.
Boubacar Diandy, the Managing Director of Netis Rwanda, reflected on the nation’s transformation since his arrival from Senegal a year ago. “The history here is profoundly distressing, yet the progress made within just three decades is remarkable. Rwanda is now a leader in Africa in terms of development, clearly on the right path,” he stated.
Their tour was designed to deepen Netis Rwanda employees’ understanding of the horrific events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,
Diandy explained Netis’s role in Rwanda’s growth, particularly in the telecommunications sector. “At Netis, we work with leading clients such as MTN, Airtel, and Canalbox to enhance connectivity and IT access. Our efforts are focused on bringing more people online, keeping them informed about global events. This is part of our contribution to advancing Rwanda’s development,” he explained.
Diandy praised the supportive business environment in Rwanda, noting, “The country has provided substantial support, enhancing how citizens access valuable information online.”
Mourners touring the memorial site
Reflecting on Rwanda’s history, he shared, “This country was once united as one, but colonial rule led to division and tragedy.
“Today, the scars of divisionism are healing, and Rwanda is returning to its roots of unity, with all people working together to support national growth.”
“I am pleased to be in this country. Netis employs over 200 staff and collaborates with Rwanda Polytechnic IPRCs to provide training and internships, nurturing practical skills among students. While telecom is our current focus, we are open to expanding into the energy sector in the near future.”
Joella Umutoni Karibushi, the Regional Marketing and Communication Manager at Netis Rwanda, emphasized the importance of remembering the genocide. “As Rwandans, it’s crucial for us to continue educating ourselves about our history and actively combating genocide ideology. By doing so, we can contribute to the development and advancement of our nation.”
Karibushi emphasized Netis’s commitment to commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi by providing reliable connectivity and promoting awareness. “As a telecom company, we are dedicated to honoring our past as we work towards building a united future for our country,” she affirmed.
Parfaite Ishimwe, one of many young employees at Netis Rwanda born after the Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasized the important role of youth in remembering and understanding this tragic history.
She said: “As a 26-year-old, I wasn’t alive during the genocide, but I recognize our responsibility. Youth were tragically involved in carrying out the genocide, misled by those with malicious intentions. Today, with better guidance, we are actively educating ourselves about this dark chapter to combat denial and misinformation spread on social media by individuals who have never experienced the reality here.
“We visited ‘the Garden of Memory,’ showcasing eco-friendly methods to narrate Rwanda’s story of resilience. The garden includes a water body, a small forest, vegetation, artistic stones, and more. This illustrates Rwanda’s ability to document our past while shaping our present.”
The company’s employees lay wreaths on a mass grave at the memorial
Ishimwe encouraged her peers to engage with Rwanda’s history, firsthand.
“To fellow youth, visiting genocide memorials is crucial for gaining accurate knowledge about the events of 1994. We must not respond with ignorance, or indifference, but take on the responsibility of passing down accurate information to future generations. As young Rwandans, we are dedicated to unity and progress, as evidenced by our collective commitment to our society’s advancement.”
Employees during a guided tour of Jardin de la Memoire at the memorial
Boubacar Diandy, the Managing Director of Netis Rwanda, writes in the book of visitors
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