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The Kwibuka Flame of Remembrance today travelled to Rulindo District, the 19th stop on its nationwide tour. The flame will return to Kigali on 7 April 2014, the start of the national mourning period and twenty years since the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. You can view an interactive map of the tour here.
Today’s event was hosted by Mayor Justus Kangwage and reflected on the events of the genocide in 1994 as well as the journey of Rulindo and Rwanda since. The special guest was Hon. Venantia Tugireyezu, Minister in the Office of the President. The Flame of Remembrance was received from Gakenke District by two 20-year-old students, Elizabeth Irakunda and Pierre Hitayezu. A children’s choir from Kiyanza Secondary School sung ‘Urumuri Rutazima’ to welcome the flame. The Master of Ceremony for today’s event was Théogène Niyonshimira.
Survivor of the genocide Célestin Nsengiyumva gave testimony. A testimony of unity was given by perpetrator Eric Ngarambe (44). At the time of the genocide in Rwanda, Eric was 24 years old and was trained as part of the Interahamwe militia in Shyorongi. He was responsible for killing Tutsi at the Pentecostal church using gun, grenades, stones and machetes. Eric also recounts attempting to save three children during the 1994 genocide but not being able to stop his fellow militiamen. A poem by primary school student Olive Uwambajimana (11) was read at today’s event.
Rulindo District is composed of former Tare, Mbogo, Rutongo, Shyorongi, Tumba and Mugambazi communes of Kigali Ngali and Kinihira, Buyoga, Cyungo communes of Byumba Prefecture. The killing of Tutsi began in 1991 at which time the homes of Tutsi were also burnt. This was supervised by Major Stanislas Kimonyo, local mayors as well as Matthieu Ngirumpatse, MRND Chairman and originally from Rutongo District.
When genocide started in 1994, Tutsi fled to the commune administrative offices in the hope that local leaders would protect them. No refuge was provided and many were killed there as well as at Rusiga Pentecostal church and Rulindo Catholic Church. Rulindo has around 18,600 Tutsi victims buried at nine genocide memorials in the district.
Kwibuka Flame Tour: Rulindo Program
When: 2:00 – 4:00pm, 4 March 2014
Where: Rusiga, Rulindo District
- Welcoming Remarks from the Master of Ceremony Théogène Niyonshimira
- Children’s Choir from École Secondaire Kiyanza singing Urumuri Rutazima as the flame arrives
- Remarks by Rulindo Mayor Justus Kangwage
- Testimony from survivor Célestin Nsengiyunva
- Poem from primary school student Olive Uwambajimana
- Testimony of unity from perpetrator Eric Ngarambe
- Guests invited to write Ribbons of Remembrance
- Introduction by the Governor of the Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe
- Remarks by Special Guest Hon. Venantia Tugireyezu, Minister in the Office of the President
- Final performance of Urumuri Rutazima
Background Information on the Kwibuka Flame of Remembrance
The flame travels next to Rusiga, Rulindo District on 4 March 2014. The Kwibuka Flame symbolises remembrance as well as the resilience and courage of Rwandans over the past twenty years. Carried in a simple lamp, it will be used to light other lamps in communities around Rwanda. To mark twenty years since the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, all memorial fires throughout the country will stem from this single Kwibuka Flame.
On returning to Kigali, President Paul Kagame will use the Kwibuka Flame to light the National Flame of Mourning. This will take place on 7 April 2014, marking the official beginning of the national mourning period. The flame will also be the source of the fire used at the candlelit vigil at Amahoro Stadium on the evening of 7 April 2014. Learn more about the Flame and its nationwide tour here.
Photos from today’s event will be available on the Kwibuka Flickr and videos on the Kwibuka YouTube channel. Please direct all media enquiries to media@kwibuka.rw.
Source: Kwibuka.rw
