Ministries, Affiliates gathered at Nyarugenge Pension Plaza to Honor victims of the Genocide against Tutsi

Minister Biruta holding the Flame of Remembrance

On Thursday, April 12, 2018, five Ministries and affiliated institutions gathered at Nyarugenge Pension Plaza Headquarters to reflect on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while at the same time honoring former Employees killed during the Genocide.

The five Ministries are the Ministry of Environments, Ministry of Lands and Forests, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of refugees and Disaster Management and the Ministry of ICT.

During this event, various authorities gave messages about the Genocide committed against the Tutsis, the reconstruction of Rwanda after the Genocide and the future of Rwanda and its united people.

The event was also marked by the lighting of the Flame of Remembrance, Urumuri Rutazima,

During their speech, ministers made emphasis on the unity of Rwandans and the call to make this union sustainable in order to have a country where future generations will live in peace and security.

In her speech, Francine Tumushime, Minister of Lands and Forests encouraged constructive ideas in a bid to build a strong nation whose foundation is the unity of the people and the love of the country.

"Our country's rebirth was fueled by thoughts. That's why if we want to rebuild, we should exchange ideas. While we rebuild our nation, we should shun revenge and impunity through discussions and seeking justice “Minister Tumushime said as she was speaking on Rwanda's reconstruction since the Genocide against the Tutsi.

She reiterated the commitment of Rwandan Leaders in sustaining the gains that the country has

Minister Francine Tumushime speaking at the commemoration

achieved saying that "Today Rwanda's leaders know that they are accountable to citizens, and Rwandans know this as well. This has been an important part of rebuilding the country since the Genocide against the Tutsi."

Minister Tumushime concludes her her speech by emphasizing that "We are now Rwandans with pride, but this is a result of sacrifice. Let's build the Rwanda we want, that we will leave to our children, who will pass it on to their children and more future generations."

Fidele Nsengiyremye, a representative of Ibuka Rwanda, expressed gratitude to Rwandans for supporting survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Ibuka was formed after the genocide against Tutsis in order to better coordinate survivors associations that had come together to help each other.

Nsengiyaremye said “"It was not easy to find a starting point after the Genocide against the Tutsi. Today, as survivors, we are appreciative of the steps that have been made in all sectors."

In the closing remarks, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Vicent Biruta reminded that “"The Genocide against the Tutsi was not triggered by anger or any specific situation. Genocide is a plan.”

“The Genocide against the Tutsi was planned." He clarified.

Biruta added that as the country remembers the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is time to remember and acknowledge the heroes who stopped it, as well as other Rwandans who tried to stand against that evil plan.

He asked Youth to understand the foundation that the Government of Unity set in the aftermath of Genocide against Tutsi in order to build the Country and Sustain and maintain what Rwanda has achieved.

Youth Minister delivering her Speech

Also Minister of Youth Rose Mbabazi thanked the young people who have made commemoration activities their own noting that “This shows that Rwanda is heading in the right direction and that our future is bright."