The ruling was read on Tuesday 19th April 2022. Following the verdict, the Chinese was immediately arrested to serve his jail-term in Rubavu Prison.
His files had been sent to the Prosecution on 30th August 2021.
Shujun Sun was accused along with Alexis Renzaho, an engineer who was in charge of mining operations and Leonidas Nsanzimana, a security guard at the Chinese company operating in Rutsiro and Nyamasheke districts.
They were arraigned before court on account of complicity in torture.
On 21st September 2021, Gihango Primary Court remanded Shujun Sun and the two co-accused individuals.
The accused appealed against the decision where Karongi Intermediary Court released Shujun Sun on bail on 14th October 2021. At the time, the court ordered the confiscation of his passport and charged a bail fee of Rwf10,000,000 as surety.
After suspecting people to have stolen his minerals, Shujun Sun convened a meeting and issued a warning that whoever caught roaming around his quarry or suspected of theft will be beaten at a place called Golgotha where he erected a wooden pole.
The Chinese man used the pole to inflict corporal punishment on two suspected young men tied on a timber with a rope in Nyamasheke.
The viral video in which the Chinese man was seen whipping the young men served as an evidence to sue him along with his accomplices, Alexis Renzaho and Nsanzimana on account of torture.
Shujun Sun who was represented by defence lawyers admitted to have beaten the young men explaining that the assault was not to the level of torture.
He however admitted to have assaulted and injured them which he attributed to persistent theft at his company called Ali Group Holdings Ltd, which local leaders were aware of.
Considering available evidences, the Prosecution requested the court to hand 20 years sentence to Shujun Sun.
During trial proceedings, victims of the assault including Azarias Niyomukiza, Gratien Ngendahimana, Deo Bihoyiki and Thomas Baributsa requested compensation.
After analyzing the case and hearing both sides, Karongi Intermediary Court explained that there are enough evidences pinning the Chinese man, Shujun Sun on torture crime.
The court said that Alexis Renzaho was an accomplice who collaborated with Shujun Sun.
The court also acquitted Leonidas Nsanzimana over lacking enough evidences pinning him.
The court handed 20-year sentence to Shujun Sun and 12-year jail term to Renzaho.
The court also ordered that Shujun Sun and Renzaho will pay compensation worth Rwf2.5 million to each victim of the torture. They will also pay defence lawyers of the plaintiffs.
Shujun Sun and Renzaho have been given one month to have appealed against the decision.
[{{Related story: Chinese Embassy in Rwanda advises citizens against self-administered justice}}->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/chinese-embassy-in-rwanda-advises-citizens-against-self-administered-justice]
Following the crash of the plane which carried former President Juvenal Habyarimana on 6th April 1994, the plan of Genocide against Tutsi was executed in different parts of the country but killings did not immediately begin in Butare as the then Governor Jean Baptiste Habyarimana opposed the plan.
His reaction angered genocidaires who overthrown and killed him on 17th April 1994. On 19th April 1994, the interim President Sindikubwabo went to Butare where he sensitized Hutus to kill Tutsis which served as the beginning of killings in the area with extreme cruelty.
Today, a large part of the former Butare Prefecture is in Huye District.
The latter has released a book featuring history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in the area written in March 2020 by researchers from ‘Menya aho uva kugira ngo umenye aho ujya’ association translated as ‘Know where you are coming from, to shape your future’ led by Prof. Déo Byanafashe. The book is comprised of more than 200 pages.
The research whose findings are published in the book was conducted in 14 sectors of Huye District including Gishamvu, Karama, Kigoma, Kinazi, Maraba, Mbazi, Mukura, Ngoma, Ruhashya, Huye, Rusatira, Rwaniro, Simbi and Tumba.
It was conducted between March and May 2020 to 165 respondents from former Commune Mbazi, Maraba, Huye, Ngoma, Gishamvu, Ruhashya, Runyinya, Kinyamakara and Rusatira.
The book also features information from different archives related to Genocide history and testimonies.
The Mayor of Huye District, Ange Sebutege has said that the book’s soft copy is available on the website of Huye District to be easily accessible to everyone.
He explained that Genocide against Tutsi in Butare was executed on order of the then President of the Republic which highly influenced people to execute Genocide plan.
{{People lived in harmony}}
Research findings show that people in Butare Prefecture used to live in harmony before the advent of colonizers who played a big role in dividing Rwandans.
Discrimination and ethnic divisionism led to killings that targeted Tutsis in 1959 under the so-called Social Revolution.
This came after the announcement of 10 commandments of Hutus by Joseph Habyarimana Gitera, hailing from Butare, in 1959 who also founded APROSOMA political party.
The commandments followed the publication of a document known as Hutus Manifesto in 1957 where some of Hutu elites indicated that there was political tension between Hutus and Tutsis.
Joseph Gitera Habyarimana in collaboration with Grégoire Kayibanda mobilized Hutus to kill Tutsis.
This led to 1959 massacres against the Tutsis whose houses were destroyed while those who survived were subject to torture and persecutions.
The persecutions continued until 1990 when RPF Inkotanyi launched the Liberation Struggle.
{{Uniqueness of Genocide in Butare}}
The President of Ibuka in Huye District, Theodate Siboyintore has said that road blocks were mounted in different parts of Butare following the sensitization of Sindikubwabo. These include one before Ihuriro Hotel which housed the then Minister of Family Promotion, Pauline Nyiramasuhuko. The hotel has an underground section where Tutsis were raped.
Other road blocks were mounted before the National University of Rwanda, Ku Mukoni, in Cyarwa; Rango; Huye town at a place popularly known as Kwa Bihira; before Faucon Hotel; at Kabutare, and CHUB among others.
Local leaders worked with soldiers, gendarmes and Interahamwe militia to plot attacks to kill Tutsis.
In Ngoma town (currently in Ngoma Sector), Tutsis were taken from their homes to be killed at the Arboretum forest behind the National University of Rwanda while others were killed at roadblocks.
Others were killed at CHUB, ESO, Butare Prefecture Head Office, at Kabakobwa, in Cyarwa and Tumba, at SORWAL and Karubanda Junior Seminary.
At the University of Rwanda, some of Hutu students killed Tutsi colleagues and teachers of torture and killed girls after raping them.
In Communes that formed Butare Prefecture, a large number of Tutsis were killed in Simbi and Sovu in Commune Maraba, at Cyahinda Parish in Commune Nyakizu, Byiza Stadium in Commune Mbazi, at ISAR- Rubona and ISAR Songa in Commune Ruhashya and Nyaruhengeri Parish.
Butare Prefecture accommodated a large number of Burundian refugees who participated in killings and returned home after committing the atrocities.
Butare Prefecture borders with Gikongoro Prefecture. The latter had many killers who crossed to Butare to reinforce Hutus to kill Tutsis.
The Mayor of Huye District, Ange Sebutege has said that Butare Prefecture was turned into a killing ground where the severity of killings were much worse than other provinces.
He revealed that many leaders heading different institutions including the University of Rwanda, ISAR, IRST and SORWAR among others played a role in the Genocide.
“Their participation saw Genocide in the area executed at high level,” he said.
Butare was also home to the school of non-commissioned officers (ESO) which reinforced Interahamwe militia and other genocidaires.
{{Leaders’ participation}}
Many authorities from the interim government led by President Sindikubwabo from Butare highly participated in the killings of Tutsi.
Sindikubwabo hails from Save Sector of Gisagara District (in former Butare Prefecture). The former Prime Minister, Jean Kambanda hails from Gishamvu Sector as well as Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, the former Minister of Family Promotion.
Butare was also home to the former Director General of a matchstick plant dubbed SORWAL , Alphonse Higaniro; former head of ISAR, Ntahontuye Ndereyehe Charles and the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Nshimiyumuremyi Jean Berchmas among others including parliamentarians and mayors of all 20 communes of the prefecture.
Others are Jean Chrysostome Ndindabahizi who headed Région Sanitaire de Butare; Emmanuel Munyangendo, the former Director of LABOPHAR and Simon Ntigashira, the head of National Museum.
The National University of Rwanda also had many intellectuals including lecturers, researchers and students who participated in the Genocide hugely.
{{Helpless victims who fled to Butare}}
The President of Ibuka in Huye District, Theodate Siboyintore has said that many Tutsis fled to Butare considering the fact that the killings of Tutsis had not yet started in the area. As he explained, they hoped protection in the area but were later killed.
“Many of them came from Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe seeking protection but were also killed,” he noted.
{{The death of Queen Rosalie Gicanda in Butare}}
On 20th April 1994, Queen Rosalie Gicanda was killed on the order of Ildephonse Nizeyimana from ESO.
Witnesses say that Nizeyimana partnerwd with other military officers including Lt Colonel Muvunyi Tharcisse and others from Ngoma military barracks led by Lt Ildephonse Hategekimana and gendarmerie led by Major Cyriaque Habyarabatuma and Interahamwe militia.
Those who stormed the home of Gicanda nearby headquarters of Commune Ngoma include Lt Bizimana alias Rwatsi, Lt Gakwerere, Corporal Aloys Mazimpaka and Dr. Kageruka.
At the queen’s home, they found other hunted people including Jean Damascène Paris, Marie Gasibirege, Aurelie Mukaremera, Callixte Kayigamba and Alphonse Sayidiya.
Others include Uzamukunda Grace who survived gunshots and died of natural cause after the Genocide.
She was a daughter of Jean Damascène Paris who provided testimonies of circumstances under which Queen Rosalie Gicanda and other people who stayed with her were killed.
Captain Nizeyimana was convicted of Genocide crime and sentenced to 35 years while Lt Colonel Muvunyi was also convicted of Genocide crime and handed 15-year jail term.
{{Killings continued until Inkotanyi intervened}}
People who talked to IGIHE have revealed that killings of Tutsis in Butare were overseen by Minister Nyiramasuhuko in collaboration with his son Ntahobari until RPA soldiers rescued Butare on 3rd July 1994.
However, killings continued in rural areas but genocidaires fled as Inkotanyi intervened.
Clement Mbaraga is a survivor from Butare whose five siblings were killed but parents and one sibling were rescued by inkotanyi.
“We hid on the roof of Brother’s House in Kabutare. We heard gunshot as Inkotanyi arrived to rescue nuns staying there,” he said.
“In the next morning, there was extreme silence. We saw residents and soldiers fleeing. Inkotanyi came here and saved us. That is how we were rescued,” added Mbaraga.
Séraphine Namana and Jeanne Umurerwa also revealed that they were desperate waiting for the death but they hope was restored as Inkotanyi captured Butare.
{{Every sector has a Genocide memorial}}
Each of 14 sectors in Huye District has a Genocide Memorial. Butare District currently has 18 memorials of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and three graves.
“Due to the severity of Genocide, there are some sectors which have more than one memorial while others have three memorials and graves. This shows the uniqueness and how Tutsis were killed in a large number in Butare,” Sebutege noted.
Efforts are underway to relocate remains of Genocide victims from graves to memorials.
According to Sebutege, Huye will start building a Genocide memorial at district level which will have different sections.
One of them will be reserved for exhibition of history of Genocide against Tutsi in former Butare Prefecture.
He passed on in the morning of Sunday 17th April 2022.
It is said that Shimwe died as he went out for a dance with friends. Medical doctors are still conducting a postmortem to establish cause of his death.
Rodolphe Shimwe Twagiramungu died at the age of 34. He was a rising artiste who produced songs including ‘Mama’.
His father, Twagiramungu who currently lives in Belgium was born in former Cyangugu Prefecture in 1945.
He served as Rwanda’s Prime Minister between 1994 and 1995.
Twagiramungu was among presidential aspirants who lost elections in 2003 following the interim government established after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The development came at a time when deep global inequalities are driving millions of people from their homes in search of opportunity, at the same time as millions are forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, and other threats to safety.
Under this program, the UK will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
Following the agreement, some people, the majority of whom being from the western part of the world, expressed concerns over the partnership.
Among them, is the leader of the Anglican church who strongly criticized the British government’s plan to put some asylum-seekers on one-way flights to Rwanda, saying “sub-contracting out our responsibilities” to refugees can’t stand up to God’s scrutiny.
According to the Washington Post, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby made the direct political intervention in his Easter Sunday sermon at Canterbury Cathedral in southeast England, saying there are “serious ethical questions about sending asylum-seekers overseas.”
He said “sub-contracting out our responsibilities, even to a country that seeks to do well, like Rwanda, is the opposite of the nature of God who himself took responsibility for our failures.”
His words triggered mixed reactions among politicians including the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel who asked him to suggest a solution to the issue of migrants and asylum seekers in Europe.
{{Baseless claims }}
The Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo has said that people doubting about Rwanda’s capacity to accommodate refugees should visit the country to witness its remarkable progress achieved over the past 28 years.
She highlighted that Rwanda has made tremendous progress in every aspect of development on rights, freedom, media as the country remains stable, united and continues to grow very rapidly.
Makolo was speaking during an interview with GB News, a television and radio news channel in the United Kingdom, commenting on human rights concerns raised following recent migration and economic development partnership between Rwanda and UK.
“Some of the reports do not correspond to the reality and both the United Kingdom and the US who have representatives here in embassies, are able to see this for themselves. Anyone who comes to Rwanda cannot fail to see with their own eyes, the progress this country has made,” she noted.
On agreements to host asylum seekers, refugees and migrants; Makolo said that Rwanda is among countries that ratified the international convention for refugee protection and has different policies to ensure their rights are respected in the country.
Today, Rwanda accommodates more than 130,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in the country safely with equal access to opportunities to lead decent life.
These include refugees and asylum seekers from Libya since 2019 where there are third countries that have agreed to receive over 700 have of them in collaboration with UNHCR.
Makoloexpressed optimism that the new ‘innovative model will be emulated by other countries. Then we can do more together’.
Under the partnership between Rwanda and UK, asylum seekers will be entitled to full protection under Rwandan law, equal access to employment, and enrolment in healthcare and social care services.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Unlike asylum seekers and refugees from Libya living in Gashora Transit Camp, the ones from UK will be housed in specially-selected accommodation facilities where they will wait for asylum claims to be processed.
Makolo has explained that migrants will be treated decently.
“Once migrants arrive in Rwanda, we will take responsibility for them. Rwanda is a signatory to the refugee convention and we have an asylum process of our own. We do have our own immigration and migrant policy. So, we will take responsibility for them,” she said.
The spokesperson highlighted that they will have access to legal services through Rwanda’s asylum process which is in in line with the refugee convention and similar to the process of other countries.
“That is what we will use to determine whether they are asylum seekers or simply migrants looking for an opportunity.
Because we believe, in a fair world, people should be able to live with dignity and have access to opportunities wherever they are. Whether they are determined to be migrants or economic refugees, they are welcomed to stay with us if they want to,” she noted.
Having opened doors to Rwanda recently, Pyramids Eye Center is one of health facilities that are taking advantage of technology to offer advanced health services.
Based in Kigali, the hospital has introduced Lasik Eye Surgery which uses the best known ‘Lasik’ technology to correct vision problems and help people get rid of glasses as they continue their work without disruptions.
Dr. Mohamed Nasif, an ophthalmologist with specialty in eye surgery at Pyramids Eye Center has told IGIHE that the advanced healthcare is the first of its kind introduced in East Africa.
Dr. Mohamed Nasif graduated from Cairo University in 2006. Since then, he started training in Cairo under a fellowship program and graduated from Royal College of Surgery and Ophthalmology of Glasgow in Scotland in 2015.
He explained that Pyramids Eye Center offers all ophthalmology services like squint surgery and cataract surgery.
Other services offered include the new Lasik procedure to get rid of glasses and correct vision without glasses and the oculoplastic surgery.
During Lasik surgery, a special type of cutting laser is used to precisely change the shape of the dome-shaped clear tissue at the front of one’s eye (cornea) to improve vision.
The surgery can be conducted between 10 and 15 minutes before the patient gets prescriptions.
Health experts indicate that the technology is deployed after assessing the nature of patient’s conditions to be proactive on possible side effects.
It was introduced for the first time in 1980s and is approved by ophthalmic organizations globally.
“With this technique, a patient can get rid of glasses and see a hundred percent without using glasses. So, it is a new technique here but not new outside Rwanda,” said Dr. Mohamed.
{{Latest equipment }}
The Lasik surgery can be conducted using general and local anaesthesia or topical anesthesia.
Dr. Mohamed has explained that the type of surgery requires advanced, latest equipment to make the operation fast and efficient.
“These new machines give very high quality and the procedure should be very short. It can take two to three minutes to get rid of these glasses. In fact, you can say the cataract surgery can take two to five minutes while squint correction surgery can take ten minutes.
We have experienced doctors with international competencies. All operations here can take from two to ten minutes. Because of the modern technology we have, everything becomes very fast and the procedures are very efficient,” he said.
Patients treated under Lasik surgery should be aged above 18. Children are not allowed to undergo this procedure because their retina has not yet reached maturity.
The surgery is also prohibited for breastfeeding and pregnant mothers to prevent possible adverse effects.
Every patient receives the service after {{an investigation machine}} is used to detect the nature of one’s conditions and establish whether it could not be dangerous if the surgery is conducted.
Another checkup is made to ensure whether the patient received glasses deservingly.
After all screenings, the patient can be treated through Lasik surgery or other alternatives depending on his/her conditions.
Kagame arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday 13th April 2022 where he was received by the Governor-General of Jamaica and Prime Minister, Andrew Holness upon arrival.
During his three-day visit to be concluded on Friday, Kagame visited Jamaica’s National Heroes Park where he paid tribute to the country’s first National Hero, Marcus Garvey and addressed a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament.
As he addressed parliamentarians, the Head of State said that it is no accident that the idea of African unity arose from the island where the descendants of those who had been forcibly separated from their ancestral homeland deeply felt the pain of disunity and contempt.
“Celebrating what we share as Africans and the African diaspora helps us confront the harsh realities of this world we live in. Even now, we are constantly reminded that we have to work together and support one another,” he noted.
Kagame also highlighted that it is high time for Africa and the Caribbean to work together in a direct and sustained manner, both through respective regional organizations — CARICOM and the African Union — and bilaterally.
“As Rwanda, we are also keen to cooperate with Jamaica much more closely and share experiences in trade and investment, as well as national unity and citizens’ development,” he revealed.
On Thursday afternoon, Kagame also met with Opposition Leader of Jamaica and President of the People’s National Party, Mark J. Golding and Parliamentarian Lisa Hanna, for discussions on a range of topics including increasing trade and cooperation.
Upon arrival in the country, Kagame was received by the Governor General of Jamaica, Patrick Allen and Prime Minister, Andrew Holness.
Ahead of the visit, Jamaica’s Office of the Prime Minister said in statement that President Kagame’s visit, which comes during the year of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence, represents an important opportunity for the deepening of bilateral relations between the countries.
The OPM noted that the visit will also help to reinforce “the steadily burgeoning relationship between the African continent and the CARICOM Region”.
On the first day of his visit, President Kagame visited Jamaica’s National Heroes Park where he paid tribute to the country’s first National Hero, Marcus Garvey.
Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican-born Black nationalist and leader of the Pan-Africanism movement, which sought to unify and connect people of African descent worldwide.
Marcus Moziah Garvey was born on August 17, 1887 in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica to Marcus Garvey and Sarah Jane Richards. His father was a stonemason and his mother was a household servant. Though the couple had 11 children, only Marcus and one other sibling survived into adulthood.
He died in London on June 10, 1940 from complications brought on by two strokes.
Due to World War II travel restrictions, he was initially buried in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic cemetery in Kensal Green, London. On November 13, 1964, his body was exhumed and buried beneath the Marcus Garvey Memorial in National Heroes Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
On the second day, President is expected to address a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Holness at Jamaica House, on Friday morning, during which the leaders are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
The current population of Jamaica is 2,984,111 as of Wednesday, April 13, 2022, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data.
Jamaica is an island located in the Caribbean Sea. It’s also part of the Greater Antilles, situated south of Cuba and west of Haiti.
In terms of size, Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, after Cuba and Hispaniola.
Jamaica’s three largest cities are Montego Bay, Portmore, and Kingston, which is the capital and largest city. The country of Jamaica is recognized for reggae, sprinters, sandy beaches, and jerk food.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Unlike asylum seekers and refugees from Libya living in Gashora Transit Camp, the ones from UK will be housed in specially-selected accommodation facilities where they will wait for asylum claims to be processed.
Related agreements between both countries are expected to be signed on Thursday 14th April 2022 at Kigali Convention Centre.
During the signing ceremony, Rwanda will be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta while UK will be represented by Home Secretary Priti Patel who arrived in Kigali yesterday.
The timeline for when the first batch of migrants could be relocated has not yet been set out.
UK’s Home Office sources indicate that the migrants could be offered some form of visa deal by the Rwandan government, saying people relocated will “be given the opportunity to rebuild their lives” there.
According to media reports, the agreement for “migration and economic development partnership” to be signed is worth 120 million pound (US$158 million)
It said the cost would be funded by UK.
The deportation policy is part of UK’s attempt to deter dangerous – and politically contentious – Channel crossings. Sources said the policy was in reaction to a global asylum system that is “broken”.
It is also said that the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between UK and Rwanda will prioritise the dignity and rights of migrants, empowering them with a range of opportunities for building a better life in Rwanda, as a country which has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s safest.
Under the programme, migrants are also expected to be entitled to full protection under Rwandan law, equal access to employment, and enrolment in healthcare and social care services.
Among others, IGIHE has learnt, the UK’s upfront investment worth £120 million will fund opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education.
The partnership between both countries reflect Rwanda’s commitments to protecting vulnerable people around the world, and ensuring development and prosperity for Rwanda and its people.
Rwanda’s history has embedded a responsibility to protect vulnerable people around the world. After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has been an active contributor to peacekeeping missions where it is the largest troop contributor in Africa.
Rwanda was once one of the world’s leading producers of refugees, and as such is particularly concerned with taking urgent steps towards more humane solutions to the global migration crisis.
Rwanda already hosts almost 130,000 refugees from multiple countries including neighbours like the DRC and Burundi.
The country also accommodates other refugees from countries like Afghanistan and evacuees from Libya who have full legal and employment rights.
This partnership to be signed reflects the ongoing effort to create a safe and empowering haven in Rwanda for all those seeking refuge.
He conveyed the message on Wednesday 13th April 2022 as he presided over the ceremony to the end commemoration week which coincided with the remembrance of fallen politicians killed for opposing plans of the former regime of Juvenal Habyarimana to execute Tutsis.
The ceremony took place at Rebero Genocide Memorial where remains of more than 14,000 victims including Tutsis killed in Kigali at the onset of the Genocide and politicians who denounced destructive plans of the genocidaire government are laid to rest.
Dr. Iyamuremye said that the commemoration of slain politicians over standing against Genocide ideology and opposing the plan to execute Tutsis is essential particularly during this era when much effort are need to resist people taking advantage of freedom of expression to deny and trivialize Genocide.
“It is very important during this time when there are people using social media to spread rumours tarnishing Rwanda’s leadership and fuel Genocide ideology for the so-called political reasons. I consider the denial and trivialization Genocide against the Tutsi as thrusting a knife in wounds of survivors,” he said.
Dr. Iyamuremye further stated that it is essential to commemorate the Genocide that was perpetrated over bad leaders characterized by discrimination.
“Remembering these good politicians should be an opportunity for us to reflect on our tragic history, how it led to Genocide against Tutsi, how it was executed and know why the international community failed Rwandans,” he noted.
“From this, should emerge the legacy of courage to confront challenges and issues that might tamper with security and national development, starting with denial and trivialization of Genocide against Tutsi,” added Dr. Iyamuremye.
The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana pointed out evidences indicating that the preparation of Genocide against the Tutsi was a result of bad politics with the involvement of political parties.
He pointed out the example of the then ruling party, MRND which established three more affiliated political parties but claimed to be serving different purposes.
These political parties including PARERWA, PECO and PADER were meant to resist Arusha Peace Accords.
The latter were involved in the mobilization of citizens to denounce Arusha Peace Accords.
Dr. Bizimana requested Rwandans to lean on good politics which is a fundamental pillar for Rwanda’s transformational journey.
Umuhire Adrie, the spokesperson of Political Parties Forum blamed politicians who fuelled ethnic divisions and hatred which culminated into preparation and execution of Genocide against Tutsi and called on everyone to strive for national unity and development.
He particularly urged politicians to consolidate gains in promoting unity among Rwandans and promote good governance treating all Rwandans equally.
Rebero Genocide Memorial accommodates over 14,000 victims from different parts of Kigali including Nyamirambo, Gitega, CHUK and Cyahafi among others.
It also home to remains of 12 politicians namely; Joseph Kavaruganda, Landouard Ndasingwa, Kabageni Venantie, Charles Kayiranga, Jean de la Croix Rutaremara, Augustin Rwayitare, Aloys Niyoyita, André Kameya, Frederic Nzamurambaho, Felicien Ngango, Faustin Rucogoza and Jean Baptiste Mushimiyimana.
After the national mourning week, Genocide commemoration activities will continue until 4th July to mark the 100 days during which more than one million Tutsis were killed.
