Kinyarwanda version

The ceremony paid particular tribute to the lives lost at Cyugaro, Ntarama sector, an area referred to as CND, and was organized during ‘Kwibuka 28’, the 100 days starting from 7^th of April where Rwandans and friends of Rwanda observe the annual national commemoration period. This year’s specific theme is “Remember-Unite-Renew”.

At the commemoration, the NCSA staff community followed the history of Bugesera and Ntarama areas before the genocide and listened to testimonies from survivors who recounted the atrocities they experienced and how they were able to survive and rebuild themselves. They described memories of trying to defend themselves and hiding in ‘urufunzo’, as some were being killed and others were saved.

The testimonies were followed by remarks from Ibuka President of Bugesera Chantal Bankundiye, and Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development for Bugesera Angelique Umwali, who used their remarks to commend survivors for their resilience, and note that the preservation of these testimonies is critical for the battle against genocide denial.

Following the discussions, the ceremony moved to ‘urufunzo’, the very place the survivors had described during their testimonies. Wreaths were laid in honour of those who lost their lives in the area.

In his remarks to media, George Kwizera, who spoke on behalf of NCSA, RISA and RSA staff, stated that joining the citizens of Bugesera District for this commemoration ceremony was a way to support and console the citizens and survivors of Ntarama during the commemoration period.

He went on to say, that for those amongst the staff who may have been born after genocide, hearing these testimonies is a difficult but important lesson. He noted that it gives them a deeper understanding of where the country has come from, and hence why there must be great effort invested into the prosperous future that Rwanda aims to deliver.