In Nyagatare District, Kiyombe Sector, there is an example that illustrates coexistence based on unity and resilience between survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and perpetrators who have completed their sentences. Twenty-four families, including 11 survivors and others who finished serving their sentences, created an association called Mvura nkuvure. The group’s purpose is to promote unity and resilience among its members.
Twagirayezu Jean De Dieu, a member of the association who once took part in the genocide but later completed his prison sentence, is an example that reconciliation is possible. He joined the association with hesitation, weighed down by guilt, but today his life has changed. To help him reintegrate into normal life, the group gave him a cow. When the cow produced offspring, he passed on the gift by giving another cow to someone else.
In an interview with AGACIRO PRESS during the launch of Unity and Resilience Month, an initiative that began in 2008, Twagirayezu said:
“I committed serious crimes, but I am grateful to our government and to this association for teaching me that even though one can sin, it is still possible to repent and become a good Rwandan within society. When I am at home and see the cow they gave me give birth, my heart is at peace. It is a joy I had not experienced for many years. Today we live in harmony with those we wronged. We are reconciled and committed to ensuring that what happened never happens again in Rwanda.”
Hitimana Celestin, the president of the association and a genocide survivor, explained that their work goes beyond peaceful coexistence, focusing also on economic empowerment. Each family contributes 1,000 Rwandan francs monthly as savings, which they use for unity and resilience activities as well as to help members rebuild their lives.
He said:
“We agreed to live as brothers and sisters. Those who completed their sentences are now part of us, we live peacefully together, save collectively, and support each other. Unity and resilience are not just words; they are tangible actions we witness every day. Through Mvura nkuvure, we want everyone who is willing to join us so that we can continue to strengthen unity.”
Nyagatare District’s Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Murekatete Juliet, emphasized that such initiatives should serve as a model across the country.
She said:
“What we see here in Kiyombe shows that Rwandans can live together in unity and love. When survivors and perpetrators who have completed their sentences sit together, share life, and socialize, it is proof that the unity we seek is achievable.”
Recent research released by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), as presented by Minister Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, revealed that 99% of Rwandans surveyed affirmed prioritizing resilience and promoting national unity.
The study further showed that 80% of Rwandans believe that resilience contributes to healing historical wounds,77% believe resilience plays a role in advancing families, 86% affirm that the broader Rwandan community is built upon resilience and its values, 85% agree that governance structures are based on those values.
Specifically, crimes related to genocide ideology and related offenses have decreased by 14% since 2020.
