The remorse expressed yesterday as part of ongoing reconciliation and healing efforts in the Mwezi Parish, Karengera sector of Nyamasheke district, Western Province.
André Bavugamenshi, one of the perpetrators said his heart was relived expressing the apology.
“I was scared and had no right to Eucharist sacrament. My heart feels free after receiving forgiveness and will call upon others to take a step of apologizing,” he said.
Venansia Nyirambarubukeye who lost all children said she had no peace of mind before forgiving.
“I had no peace of mind before but I have healed and regained peace after forgiving,” she said.
Father Ubald Rugirangoga who lost relatives in the parish said a genocide perpetrator can’t have peace of mind unless he/she apologizes.
The Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), Fidèle Ndayisaba said seeking forgiveness and forgiving do heal.
“The courage to forgive is a form of treatment bringing pacification. Forgiveness also heals wounds and is a vaccine against hatred and genocide ideology,” he observed.
The apologies followed a heart healing training undertaken by a group of 23 of whom 17 completed.
Findings in the RGB Citizen Report Card 2018 indicate that Rwandans’ unity and reconciliation efforts are paying off at a rate of 92.5%.
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