As we commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi for the 22nd time around the theme: “Fighting Genocide Ideology”, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the National Commission for Children and the National Women’s Council joined Rwamagana District on 20th April 2016 to pay tribute to children and women killed at Sovu during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
About 83 of 620 victims of genocide were brutally tortured and murdered in Sovu-Rwamagana District during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. Other victims in the area were 350 women and 167 men killed in what is still remembered as one of the most viciousness ever to be suffered by mankind.
Dr. Claudine Uwera Kanyamanza, Executive Secretary of NCC, lit Candle of hope during commemoration event.
The ceremony that attracted hundreds of people from across the country was also attended by some members of the East African Legislative Assembly, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Jackline Kamanzi, and Ms Odette Uwamariya, the Governor of Eastern Province.Jean Pierre Nkuranga, who spoke on behalf of the survivors, said babies were snatched from their mothers’ laps and thrown alive in pit latrines in the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. Hutu and Tutsi neighbours lived in harmony until the death of President Juvenal Habyarimana.
Genocide survivors carry remains of three children to the grave at Sovu Genocide Memorial Site.
“Genocide had all along been planned, however, Habyarimana’s death was the climax. We were surprised when all of a sudden all Hutu neighbours turned their swords on us. Massive murders followed. Tutsi were hunted down like wild animals,” he said.“Rape was one of the major weapons of torture to thousands of Tutsi who were also sexually abused with objects such as sharp sticks or gun barrels, held in sexual slavery or sexually mutilated. They were dehumanised and subjugated. Children were cut into pieces and thrown into pit latrine just like their mothers,” he said.
The remains of children lowered into the grave as EALA members look on.
Permanent Secretary Kamanzi said the role of children in nation building should be emphasised, adding that it was a shame the perpetrators of the genocide targeted the vulnerable-chidren and their mothers.“We must remember our ugly past so as to shape a better future. Unity, peace and security are the foundation of everything. The little children here must take note of this. They should learn about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Children must work hard to avoid discrimination, hate and divisionism in the future,” she said.
The event is annually organised by National Commission for Children (NCC), in partnership with Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, National Women’s Council and the Districts to honour children and women victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
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