NAEB (National Agricultural Export Development Board) staff and partners gathered to commemorate the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They paid tribute to the former staff of OCIR Café and OCIR Thé, among the many others who lost their lives during this dark chapter of history.
The commemoration of the Genocide began with the laying of wreath at the Genocide commemoration monument at NAEB. This monument features the names of over 230 former OCIR (office des cultures industrielles du Rwanda) Café and OCIR Thé employees being remembered.
The commemoration event continued at Kigali Genocide Memorial where attendees listened to a talk on the historical events of the Genocide, a testimony from a survivor, and remarks from management, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and prevention of similar atrocities.
During his presentation, Professor Masabo François of University of Rwanda shared insights from his research and book on the genocide perpetrated against Tutsi staff of former OCIR Café and OCIR Thé. He shed light on the significant role that both institutions played in the implementation of the genocide.
In his remarks, Laurent Ndagijimana, who represented Ibuka, focused on the importance of commemorating. He thanked NAEB for the consistency to do so but urged the organization to go further by conducting testimony-based research and creating a documentary about the genocide.
Claude Bizimana, Chief Executive Officer of NAEB, expressed gratitude towards all participants, particularly Genocide survivors, for their resilience and commitment to moving forward. He reminded that commemorating the genocide is crucial to preventing a repeat of such a dark history. (End)