The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) held an event for the 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event was conducted to pay tribute to the employees of the former institutions merged into RAB, namely ISAR, SSS, LVNR and CNIA, who were slaughtered during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event took place at RAB’s headquarters in Huye District, Southern Province. Prior to the event, a night of vigil took place on April 26, 2023, at the Rubona Genocide Memorial located within the headquarters’ premises.
Speaking at the event, Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, the Director General of RAB, highlighted that the Genocide in Rubona was horrific. He noted that the perpetrators included individuals who were considered intellectuals, and who had previously been committed to promoting agriculture and livestock, but had deviated from their duties to instead kill their fellow workers.
He also singled out Charles Ndereyehe, the former head of ISAR, as someone who was actively involved in the slaughter of innocent Tutsis, and expressed hope that he would one day be introduced to justice.
The guest of honor at the event was Mr. Ange Subutege, the Mayor of Huye District. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of remembrance and paying tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide, noting that it is a duty and an opportunity to pay homage to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis and to offer them flowers as a sign of love and to show them that we keep them in our hearts.
Additionally, Mr. Subutege expressed his gratitude towards the former RPA, now known as the RDF, for their role in ending the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In particular, he singled out President Paul Kagame, who was the force commander, for his leadership and contribution towards ending the atrocities.
The event was concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rubona Genocide Memorial, which serves as the resting place of 195 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. (End)