{Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called on the general public to stand together and fight against any form of action aimed at negating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. }
The message was delivered on April 5 ahead of the 21st commemoration of the Genocide, which will be held under the theme “Fighting Against Genocide Denial and Revision”.
Speaking on a live TV talk-show, also aired live on various local radio stations, Commissioner for Operations, Commissioner of Police (CP) Emmanuel Butera, assured Rwandans of security during this Kwibuka 21.
He, however, said that Rwandans should not wait for Police to act, but cooperate in ending genocide denial and revision by reporting suspects and providing timely information on anyone planning to disrupt commemoration activities in communities.
“Rwandans have chosen to say Never Again to these acts and we should endeavor to stop those who still harbor ill intentions,” CP Butera said.
“People who use social media to instill terror, whether they are in or out of Rwanda, will be investigated and the public should provide information to concerned agencies.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Theos Badege, Commissioner for CID, said that crimes such as threats, violence and insults against genocide survivors, however few they are, will be overcome if residents in general condemn these acts and reach out to their local leaders and Police with information about those planning to disrupt or negate commemoration activities.
“Community Policing has been key in overcoming several crimes; we should continue to work together especially during this period. This is a period of mourning and remembrance, which reminds us of the terrible cost of bad leadership, disunity and segregation. We should therefore be proactive in overcoming all negative force’s aimed at dragging us back,” ACP Badege said.
ACP Badege noted that although there are foreign-based groups and individuals that are not happy with Rwanda’s current unity, development and peace – Rwandans should concentrate on their development programmes and be active, do the usual community activities, rest assured that their security is guaranteed.
CP George Rumanzi, Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety, reminded Road users, especially drivers, of their duty to maintain safety on the roads by driving carefully during this commemoration period.also report any passenger who commits such crimes of denial or negation of the Genocide against Tutsi ,crimes which common during this period.
“Let us remember that we all have a duty to respect traffic rules and regulations. We need a peaceful and law abiding society, in order for all commemoration events to go as smoothly as planned,” he said.
He appealed to the general population to always call Police toll free lines especially 113 and 112 to report drivers, who violate rules and put people’s lives in danger.
Known as ‘Kwibuka’ – the Kinyarwanda word for ‘Remember’ – this year’s commemoration will focus on fighting Genocide denial and revisionism.
On April 7, 2015, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda across the globe, will join to pay tribute to over one million innocent lives massacred in just one hundred days 21 years ago.
The 100 days of commemoration period is an opportunity to enhance historical clarity, get closer to survivors as well as empathise and educate the public of their role in ensuring that this inhuman act never happens again.
Events to mark the 21st Commemoration will be held at village level(Umudugudu).
Throughout the commemoration week, citizens will gather in all villages nationwide to reflect on the country’s history, and discuss different genocide-related topics focusing on fighting genocide denial.
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