Title: “Commemorating the Tutsi genocide: the commitment of the Ibuka association”
Introduction :
The Ibuka association, bringing together survivors of the 1994 Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, met recently during its annual general meeting in Kigali. This meeting aimed to define priorities for the coming year, particularly with a view to commemorating thirty years after this tragic event. In this article, we present to you the main issues discussed during this general assembly, highlighting the importance of the transmission of memory and the care of survivors.
Building capacity at the local level:
One of the major priorities of the Ibuka association for this new year is to strengthen capacities at the local level. Indeed, it is essential to enable communities to take responsibility for the memory of the genocide and to ensure adequate monitoring of survivors. Training and awareness programs will be put in place in the different districts of the country, in order to guarantee an active and sustained presence of the community in this process of transmitting history.
Caring for older survivors:
The general assembly also underlined the importance of caring for older survivors, often faced with isolation and difficulties linked to their health. Ibuka is committed to developing initiatives aimed at improving their well-being and quality of life, offering psychosocial support and medical assistance if necessary. It is essential to ensure that these survivors can live with dignity and benefit from support adapted to their specific needs.
Follow-up of survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress:
The commemoration periods, which span 100 days from April 7 to early July, can bring back painful memories and trauma for survivors. This is why Ibuka will set up ongoing monitoring programs for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress. These initiatives will provide specific psychological support and ensure that no one feels forgotten during this period of national contemplation.
Transmission of memory to the youngest:
Finally, one of Ibuka’s essential priorities is to ensure the transmission of memory to younger generations. Genocide survivors know that their presence will not last forever, which is why they want to invest in training young people so that they can understand the history of their country and the terrible consequences of the genocide. Ibuka will implement educational initiatives and workshops to raise awareness among young people about this tragic period in Rwanda’s history, encouraging them to become agents of change and promote peace and reconciliation.
Conclusion :
The general assembly of the Ibuka association highlighted the priorities for the coming year regarding the commemoration of the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda. The transmission of memory, capacity building at the local level, care for older survivors and monitoring of survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress are all areas in which Ibuka is committed to acting. The ultimate objective being to preserve the memory of this dark period of history and to promote peace and reconciliation in the country.