Members of Parliament and senators gathered on May 2 at Kigali Genocide Memorial to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially former staff of the CND (Conseil National de Développement) who were killed during the genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration featured a wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of silence, prayers, remembrance songs, a candle of hope, and a testimony from a former staff member. ALSO READ: Experts urge firm measures to avert Genocide ideology perpetuation Throughout the event, speakers delivered strong messages urging Rwandans to remain vigilant against the resurgence of genocide ideology, which continues to manifest in harmful actions and speeches. The MPs emphasised the responsibility of leaders and citizens to protect the truth, promote unity, and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. Senator Jean-Pierre Dusingizemungu noted that during visits to various districts, residents expressed appreciation for the country’s progress in fostering unity and stability. However, he warned that traces of genocide ideology persist in communities. “Although there has been progress, there are still signs of the Genocide ideology that are visible, and disturbing acts such as physical harm against genocide survivors, verbal abuse, destruction of their livestock and crops, and the deliberate withholding of information about the locations of victims’ remains actions intended to cause pain,” he said. In a presentation, MP Diogène Bideri analysed the pivotal role politicians played in both orchestrating the Genocide against the Tutsi and in addressing its consequences. He explained that the foundation for the genocide was laid through colonial and post-independence governance systems that deliberately institutionalised ethnic discrimination. “The laws in force in the first and second republics reinforced ethnic discrimination, continuing the line of governance established by the Belgians,” he added. ALSO READ: We have not yet swept away the ashes: A cry that refuses to be silenced A remembrance song performed by Marie-Jeanne Mukankuranga was followed by the lighting of a candle of hope and a testimony from Felix Zikuliza, a former employee of the former CND. President of IBUKA, Philbert Gakwenzire, emphasized that the commemoration holds profound value for all Rwandans, not only as a tribute to the victims but as an essential time for national reflection. “It is a time for us Rwandans to look back and analyse the history of our country, to understand the roots of the divisions that led to the Genocide, when over a million Tutsis were killed horrifically.” He said. ALSO READ: The testimony of a woman that even ‘death refused to take’ The President of the Senate, François-Xavier Kalinda, underscored the critical role of remembrance, especially for those in leadership, emphasising that commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi is not only about honouring the victims but also about confronting historical truths and taking responsibility for the future.
