Rwanda pays homage to politicians killed in genocide

Rwanda government officials on Wednesday paid tribute to 13 politicians killed during the 1994 genocide.

The slain politicians are honoured at the last day of the official week of mourning, which started Thursday.

The last day is dedicated to remembering the brave and courageous politicians killed during the 100 days of genocide for standing against the genocidal government in 1994.

Some of the politicians are buried at Rebero Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro district, Kigali City suburbs, while others are laid to rest at Heroes Cemetery in Remera, Gasabo district of Kigali.

Families and friends of the slain politicians participated in the memorial event by laying wreaths on the graves of their loved ones.

The event also attracted members of the foreign diplomatic corps accredited to Rwanda.

After laying a wreath on the graves of the victims and observing a moment of silence, Rwanda Senate President Bernard Makuza hailed slain politicians for being courageous in the face of death.

"They were tortured and killed for desisting brutal regime, but their spirit still lives with us. If we had more good politicians like those we remembered today, genocide could have been avoided or stopped in time" he said.

Makuza called for massive efforts to fight against genocide ideology and revisionism both at home and abroad. Endit