Remains of some 35 Genocide victims were yesterday given befitting burial at Mukamira Memorial Site in Nyabihu district, Western Province.
The event was attended by over a thousand mourners including government officials, district leaders and area residents.
Speaking at the event, Senator Evariste Bizimana said despite the massacre that claimed over a million innocent lives, Rwanda is several steps ahead towards development and self reliance, which he urged them to embrace.
He urged Genocide survivors to be strong and help build the nation.
“You shouldn’t remain in despair because you lost loved ones, you should try to relieve yourselves from sorrow and strive for a bright future, the government is ready to support Genocide survivors in any means,” said Bizimana, adding that it is a pity that 19 years after the Genocide, remains of many victims are yet to be found.
“We should have buried all the remains of our deceased relatives and only remain with the duty of commemorating them. Those who are aware of the whereabouts of their bodies should provide the necessary information to ensure they are taken to decent resting places,” said the lawmaker.
Anastase Juru, president of Ibuka – the umbrella body of Genocide survivors’ associations – in Nyabihu district said locating remains of deceased relatives is a relief to survivors.
According to Juru, 2,050 Genocide victims are buried at Mukamira memorial.
He said remains of around 3,000 bodies are yet to be discovered in the whole district.
Anastase Kayisire, who survived Genocide in Nyabihu, said he had witnessed mass killings in the area where he was hiding.
He said he saw people being drowned in the nearby Lake Nyirakigugu.
“They hunted for me, but I escaped and fled into a tea plantation. I witnessed Interahamwe (militia) killing my relatives as well as my neighbours. I spent over two weeks hiding and I used to eat maize grains and drink water from a nearby swamp,” he testified.
Saturday 13 April 2013
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15326&a=65910
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