Rwandan youths taking around the Kwibuka20 flame: The flame is being taken around the country in preparation for the Genocide commemoration in April
The minister of Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali has called on Rwandans to provide information on whereabouts of genocide remains that are not yet found, as a way of healing hearts of genocide victims and accord a descent burial to victims.
Minister Mitali made the call while addressing Nyanza residents who received the Genocide Flame of Remembrance – which is currently going across the country under the ‘Kwibuka20’ initiative.
“I ask Rwandans to tell their local leaders if they know where remains of genocide victims are, so they can get a proper burial,” he said.
Thousands of Genocide remains in Rwanda have been accorded decent burials since the stoppage of the genocide, but many more are scattered due to failure by perpetrators to reveal where they hidden.
According to the Commission for the fight of Genocide CNLG, not knowing where the remains of their loved ones were thrown brings strain on Genocide survivors.
At the event, Mitali also emphasized on unity and reconciliation and said that it is the only way Rwandans can build a new future twenty years after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
“I encourage Rwandans to build unity, work together and support each other as we prepare for the 20th commemoration. Do not listen to those who attempt to deny the genocide wherever they are,” said the Minister.
The minister also celebrated all survivors who have been able to rebuild their lives and prosperity for their families after the genocide.
The Flame of Remembrance stayed light burning bright in Nyanza district- as a symbol of the courage & resilience of Rwandans, amidst songs from local adult and children’s choirs from Nyanza singing the Urumuri Rutazima song
The event was also marked with poems on what happened in 1994 and living testimonies from genocide survivors which are all meant to ensure that Genocide never happens again.
One survivor, Immaculée Kayitesi told residents to never lose hope despite of what happened in the country during the genocide. “My message to survivors is to feel strong, to move forward. We can never give up hope.” She said.
The flame will go through all Nyanza communities and through all the 30 districts in Rwanda before it finally returns to Kigali on April 7, 2013 at the start of the official 20th genocide commemoration.