VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE VISIT KIGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIAL AND CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENOCIDE MUSEUM

Kigali, 24 September 2024 

Today, a delegation of 85 veterans from Nyagatare district, who played a significant role in the liberation struggle and efforts to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the historical events leading to the genocide and the process of halting it.

Some of the veterans, who were injured during the liberation struggle, were unable to witness first-hand the achievements that followed the genocide. The visit aimed to see the results of what they fought for and to reflect on Rwanda's progress.

At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the group laid a wreath at the burial site, where 250,000 victims of the Genocide rest, and observed a moment of silence in memory of the innocent lives lost. They were given a guided tour of the museum, which documents the Genocide's history; from its planning and execution to its devastating consequences, and the strides Rwanda has made in rebuilding through unity and reconciliation.

The group also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, where they learned about the crucial role played by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) in stopping the Genocide.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, 2Lt (Rtd) Faustin Mugabo expressed gratitude to H.E. Paul Kagame, the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the then Chairman of the High Command of the RPA, for his leadership in dismantling the genocidal regime and halting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He further praised the RDF's contributions to national security and socio-economic development.

Mugabo emphasized the importance of learning from history to prevent future atrocities and urged the younger generation to embrace unity and patriotism to secure a brighter future for Rwanda.