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Kinyarwanda
In the second week of April, Rwanda National Police continued to perform its operations aimed at promoting law and order, while the rest of the country participated in activities geared towards the 21st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Below are some key activities that happened last week
Rwandan Peacekeepers Commemorate Genocide
Abyei
Rwandan Police Peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) honored the lives lost 21 years ago in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
They were on April 8 joined by other peacekeeping forces and UN staff in the area, as well as local leaders and residents of Abyei in the 21st Commemoration of the Genocide, which claimed over one million innocent lives.
Abyei is a disputed area in Sudan accorded "special administrative status" by the 2004 Protocol on the Resolution of the Abyei Conflict in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the second Sudanese Civil War.
Haiti
The Rwanda Police peacekeepers in Haiti were on April 7 joined by friends of Rwanda in the 21st commemoration event in honor of over one million lives killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The commemoration held at Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPU) base camp located in the town of Jeremie in Grand'Anse Region, started with a Walk to Remember.
They were joined by Haitian government representatives and residents, officials from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and delegations from Senegalese and UNPOL peacekeepers, among others.
Central African Republic
Rwandan Police and military peacekeepers serving under the UN Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA) held a ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Kwibuka21 ceremony presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in CAR, Toussaint Doudou Kongo, was held on April 7 at the Base Camp of Rwandan Battalion (RWABATT2), and attended by the Rwandan Diaspora in CAR.
The Rwandan community was also joined by other peacekeepers serving in CAR headed by the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in CAR, Aurelian Abgenonci, Gen. Martin Chomu Tumenta, MINUSCA Force Commander, local leaders and residents.
Nyagatare residents pay tribute to Genocide victims
Thousands of residents of Nyagatare District, on April 10, held a special commemoration activity organized to mark the 21st Commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event held in Nyagatare Sector focused on fight against genocide denial and ideology.
Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, who was also part of the mourners, told the residents that Police will continue its mandate of preserving peace and protecting people and their property.
During the commemoration period, IGP assured that Police will continue to preserve security.
He urged them to participate in planned community discussions to enhance historical clarity, get closer to survivors as well as educate the public to ensure that this inhuman act never happens again.
Police warns those who stop others from attending genocide commemoration activities
Rwanda National Police has strongly condemned those who stand in the way of others who wish to attend events marking the 21st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and warned them that they may face prosecution for such actions that seek to undermine the memory of those who perished in the Genocide.
The call was made in light of an incident that happened on April 10 in Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District, where a man, Theoneste Gasongo, 39, threatened to assault his wife if she participated in remembrance discussions held in the village.
Police warns against criminal activities during Genocide Commemoration activities
Rwanda National Police (RNP) observed that whereas many residents join together activities to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, some notorious ones choose to remain behind and participate in fatal criminal activities.
Police strongly warns against such behavior and calls on the general public to wholly participate in these commemoration activities which are aimed at opening debate and educating the masses about the challenge of genocide ideology.
Inmates urged to fight genocide ideology
Rwanda National Police (RNP) initiated discussions for prisoners aimed at fighting genocide ideology, denial and to honor those who perished 21 years ago during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
While speaking to inmates in Musanze Prison on April 9, Chief Supt. Dismas Rutaganira, the Northern Regional Police Commander, reminded them that speaking the truth will continue to heal the wounds of the survivors and a crucial factor in unity and peace building.
He reminded them that they have an important role to play in the fight against genocide revisionist ideologies, especially among individuals who may seek to spread such ideologies within the prison population.
Kamonyi Commercial motorcyclists vow to fight genocide ideology
As part of their mandate in this 21st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, commercial motorcyclists operating in Kamonyi District have vowed to fight against genocide ideology and protect survivors against anyone intending to harm them
This was during a sensitization workshop organized by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in Kamonyi District, where members of the motorcyclists' association committed not to tolerate anyone in their business or community to disrespect or threaten the memory of those who perished in the Genocide.
The District Police Commander, Superintendent Hamza Vita commended the efforts of motorcyclists in honoring the commemoration period, and also reminded them to improve their role in preserving community safety by not aiding any criminal.
Police reminds citizens to be vigilant against crime during the commemoration period
Rwanda National Police (RNP) appeals to the general population to be wary of individuals who want to exploit this commemoration period to conduct criminal acts such as theft and burglary.
While the rest of the people join together in commemoration activities at villages, it has been observed that wrongdoers use this time to break into houses to steal property.
