Rwandans rebury genocide victim remains as commemoration continues

Remains of 59 genocide victims were on Monday given a befitting burial at Kiziguro genocide memorial site in Gatsibo district, eastern Rwanda.

The site hosts remains of more than 20,000 victims.

Felicien Niyonziza, the head of Ibuka, umbrella organization for genocide survivors in Rwanda, said between 3,500 to 3,700 people were massacred on April 11, 1994 at Kiziguro Parish Catholic Church alone before Rwanda Patriotic Army captured the area.

Till today remains of other victims are still being discovered which were dumped in different places including pit latrines in the area, he said.

The remains reburied on Monday were discovered last year.

Speaking at the reburial ceremony, Damascene Bizimana, the executive secretary of the National Commission for Fight against Genocide, cautioned the media against hate speech which he said was instrumental in inciting divisions and hatred in 1994 genocide.

"We will never forget, much as we try to, we can never fully understand why fellow Rwandans could do this to their neighbors, friends with whom they shared," said a survivor who only gave his name as Pierre.

"The lives of our loved ones meant a lot to families, community and to our country. By returning here [at the memorial] each year, we want to show resilience and an example of strength to young generation," said the 66-year-old.

More than one million people were killed in the genocide in Rwanda, largely Tutsi and moderate Hutus.

Since last Thursday, commemoration activities are ongoing across Rwanda, which are expected to last 100 days. Endit