{After having discussed the program for the unification of all Rwandans, genocide survivors in Rusizi District have met the prisoners who have apologized for the crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis and pardon them in order to unite and reconcile.}
The forgiveness is the fruit of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” program, an initiative which aims at helping Rwandans to openly talk about their history, repent, forgive, and heal the scars of the bad experiences the country went through; in order to strengthen the culture of accountability as well as unity and reconciliation.
Imprisoned genocide perpetrators asked for forgiveness after being taken through Ndi Umunyarwanda program and this was demanded by local residents who wanted also prisoners to be taught about Ndi Umunyarwanda Initiative after realizing its importance to the Rwandan Society.
Wednesday, 8th January 2014, about 1500 prisoners met with Rusizi Genocide survivors to ask for forgiveness for the crimes committed during the Genocide against the Tutsis.
Nduhirubusa Isidore, one of the Genocide prisoners apologized to the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis and the family which he has killed members.
While apologizing, Nduhirubusa said “My name is Nduhirubusa Isidore; I apologize to the Genocide survivors in general and especially to Ms Mukamugema Agnes, wife of the late Viateur”
Another Genocide perpetrator, Ndayisabye Evariste, said “Honestly, I want to apologize to Habimana Casimir, because of the crimes I committed to him others to his family”
To forgive Nduhirubusa, Mukamugema Agnes said “We saw what you committed to us and refuse to do likewise, so the government of Unity and reconciliation has pardoned you for the wrong done to us and I also pardon you”
Apart from Mukamugema, Habimana Casimir also pardoned Ndayisabye Evariste who apologized for his role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.
The vice Mayor of social affairs in Rusizi, Nsekarije Venuste, asked prisoners to learn from the past mistakes to shape the better Rwanda where neighbors live in harmony with each other.
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