Amb. Karabaranga delivered this message during a discussion named 'Igicaniro,' which revisited the events leading up to the execution of the 1994 genocide plan against the Tutsi.
During the April 22, 2024 event hosted by the Rwandan Embassy in Senegal, Ambassador Karabaranga stressed the importance of rejecting genocide ideology. He advocated for historical education by the older generation to the youth, emphasizing early patriotic education.
The Ambassador urged young people to emulate the exemplary leadership of President Paul Kagame, to pursue the greater good and take on early responsibilities as future leaders.
Ambassador Karabaranga underscored the significance of commemorating the genocide against the Tutsi, both to honor the victims and to illustrate the devastating effects of hatred. He praised the survivors for their enduring resilience over the last three decades.
He confirmed that the nation remains committed to addressing the psychological and other effects of the genocide, with the goal of fostering a nation based on unity and resilience.
Lt. Col. Angeline Kamanzi, responsible for West Africa and Sahel, reflected on the genocide against the Tutsi, detailing its preparation and execution. She discussed the historical ethnic divisions entrenched by colonial identity systems, which were exploited by subsequent governments leading up to the genocide in 1994, which claimed over a million lives.
Dr. Rwogera Munana Yves, president of IBUKA Senegal, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Rwandan Embassy in Senegal in organizing the inaugural 'Igicaniro' session, emphasizing the critical role of mental health preservation to avert trauma.
Further insights were provided by the director of the mental health department at Dakar's 'Hopital Principal,Col Dr. Serigne Modou Ndiaye, along with Cpt Dr. Karim Pouabizan and Rebecca Helcom. They elaborated on mental health, trauma symptoms, and the supportive care provided to those impacted to facilitate healing and prevent the intergenerational transmission of trauma.
Esther Muhozi
