Staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) on May 18, 2017 took time to remember more than 700 former employees of the ministry and its agencies who died during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Hundreds of people including the ministry’s staff, families of the victims and other stakeholders such representatives of Ibuka and the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) attended the commemoration, which included visiting and supporting some of the survivors, laying wreaths on the ministry’s memorial site and lighting the flame of hope. They also observed a moment of silence as a sign of respect to the victims.
During a night vigil that took place at the ministry’s headquarters, Pastor Antoine Rutayisire said that commemoration is very important because it’s a good occasion to think again about what happened and take measures to eradicate the genocide ideology. He also noted that Remembering is a healing remedy for Rwandans.
Lt. Gen. Fred Ibingira, who also delivered a lecture during the night vigil, called on the ministry’s staff to remember while thinking in a broad way what can be done to foster the country’s development and improve lives of Rwandans. He also urged them to keep sustaining the achievements attained over the last 23 years.
Family members of the victims also gave testimonies about their fallen loved ones, and praised former RPA soldiers who fought heroically to stop the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.
Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr Gerardine Mukeshimana, thanked everyone for joining to honor colleagues who were killed in the genocide against the Tutsi. The minister lauded the work done by the fallen colleagues to develop Rwanda’s agriculture sector; adding that their contribution has been a great foundation and will always be recognized.
The Minister also reminded that commemorating the 1994 genocide against Tutsi must be everyone’s responsibilities and called on them to do their best in fighting against the genocide ideology and contribute to the country’s progress.