21 July 2020

In the spirit of continued Unity and Reconciliation among Rwandans, and promotion of “Ndi Umunyarwanda”, Unity Club Intwararumuri in partnership with National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, conducts monthly conversations dubbed “Urubuga rwa Ndi Umunyarwanda” (Ndi Umunyarwanda Platform), on radio Rwanda tackling different topics that emphasize the essence of “Ndi Umunyarwanda”.

July 19, 2020: Conversation on the role of Ndi Umunyarwanda in our liberation journey

The dialogue showcased the role of Ndi Umunyarwanda in strengthening the Rwandan identity and values that contribute to building the Rwanda we want.  

Miss Jacqueline Muhawenimana, the representative of “Imboni z’imfura z’ikenyejana cya 21”, said that the youth too have played an active role in this journey through various platforms that engage them in dialogues which promotes peace and development.

Furthermore, Jean Claude Uwizeyimana, in his talks, spoke about his journey in exile during the aftermath of the Genocide against Tutsis in 1994. His family took refuge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they were constantly reminded by those who had planned and implemented the genocide that should they choose to go back home, they would be killed. Later on, he fled to Gabon by foot, where he found other Rwandans who were mobilized to return home, yet he constantly refused to go back to Rwanda. Consequently, he was brought back by the government of Gabon, and to his surprise when he arrived in Rwanda; he was facilitated to resume studies, graduated and has since been employed by different organizations including public institutions.

Currently, Jean Claude works for a non-government organization “Association Modeste et Innocent (AMI)” operating in Huye district, where he is involved in various projects focusing on restoring trust, unity and social cohesion as well as healing of both physical and psychological wounds brought about by our dark past history. He also works with a program advocating and implementing initiatives that promote Unity and Reconciliation, through sharing personal testimonies of their journey towards healing.

In this dialogue, there was also Murebwayire Josephine, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi, who nominated as a Guardian of Covenant in recognition of her selfless acts after the genocide. Murebwayire, a widow whose husband and children killed during the Genocide, currently lives in Gasabo district where she compassionately chose to continue to be a caring and loving mother to kids orphaned by the Genocide against Tutsi.  She is determined to teach the youth that while they are at school they should live with others in peace and they should not discriminate anyone; so that the peace Rwandans fought for will reign and rule eternally.

Murebwayire said “From my childhood, I was very aware of the history of the Genocide committed against Tutsi, and enmity between Hutu and Tutsi. After the Genocide, I chose to take care of all children without discrimination and teach them to live in peace and harmony. I taught them that while they are at school they should live with others in peace and they should not discriminate anyone; so that the peace Rwandans fought for will reign and rule eternally.”  

Fidele Ndayisaba, the Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, spoke and explained deeply and clearly on how Ndi Umunyarwanda has helped a lot in the past 26 years journey of liberation of the country. He further said that Ndi Umunyarwanda is a fundamental and core value of our true identity.

“Ndi Umunyarwanda’ is the being, thought-process and existence of Rwandans to collectively uphold our identity, common interest of Rwandans as a whole over individual interests, values and commitment to safeguard and sustaining the Rwandan Spirit. This identity and thinking have been at the core of the sacrifices made to liberate our country.” Ndayisaba said.