Kamonyi: District Leadership Commits to Supporting Vulnerable Genocide Survivors

The Mayor of Kamonyi District, Dr Nahayo Sylvere, has stated that, in collaboration with various stakeholders, vulnerable survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi will continue to receive support, including efforts to address ongoing issues such as inadequate housing.

He delivered this message on April 19, 2025, during the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, held at the sector level in Rukoma. The ceremony began with a wreath-laying at the memorial site located at the place commonly known as “Mu Kiryamo cy’Inzovu”.

Highlighting unresolved issues faced by survivors, including the ageing state of houses built for them, Mayor Nahayo affirmed that the local authorities are actively seeking sustainable solutions to prevent anyone from being left in despair.

“In partnership with Ibuka, local residents and other partners, we are continuously working to address these challenges. As is evident, the effects of the genocide are still being felt, which is why we have initiated an annual resilience campaign. This allows us to visit survivors, especially the most vulnerable, to understand their problems, provide comfort and support, and ensure they do not succumb to grief. This also includes assessing serious issues like housing—some homes built for survivors have deteriorated and require renovation.”

He went on to say, “We do not want anyone to be consumed by sorrow. We are here to support, visit, console, and stand by those who need various forms of assistance.”

The Ibuka leadership in Rukoma Sector expressed appreciation for the district’s commitment to addressing the needs of genocide survivors. “A lot has been achieved—most issues have been resolved. What remains is relatively minor and can be addressed using the same momentum that resolved the more difficult problems. This gives us hope that the remaining issues will also be overcome.”

Mukandirima Assoumpta, a survivor from Rukoma Sector, said that over the past 31 years since the genocide, she is grateful for the positive impact of good governance.

“Good leadership has sustained us, dried our tears and brought us lasting peace,” she said.

In his other remarks during the commemoration, Mayor Dr Nahayo called upon elders to educate the youth about the country’s history. He noted that many of the questions young people ask reveal a lack of understanding—often caused by confusing or conflicting information found on social media, or even from parents and neighbours. He stressed the need to guide the youth so they can grow up informed and focused on building their nation.

He further emphasised that during the 100 days of commemoration, any speech or action reflecting genocide ideology will continue to be condemned, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to combat such tendencies.

“We shall employ every possible means to fight against genocide ideology,” he affirmed.

Rukoma Sector is located in the former Taba Commune, where local authorities played a significant role in encouraging the killing of Tutsi during the genocide. Some of those leaders were later held accountable, including Jean-Paul Akayezu, who was the Bourgmestre of the that Commune. He was indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, among other charges.