The commemoration event took place on May 27, 2025, beginning with a remembrance walk from the company headquarters to the Rutabo mass grave, where more than 60,000 Tutsi victims were tragically dumped.
The walk continued to the Ruhango District Memorial located in Kinazi Sector, at the site of the former Ntongwe Commune offices.
Célestin Nzigiyimana, President of Ibuka in Kinazi Sector, shared with the staff and management the harrowing history of the Tutsi in the area known as Amayaga, spanning Ntongwe and Kinazi Sectors during the genocide.
He explained that the Rutabo mass grave was first excavated in 1992 by Jacques Nsabimana, who was the headmaster of Rutabo Primary School and President of the CDR in Ntongwe Commune.
He added that Nsabimana later ordered many Tutsi to be thrown into the pit he had dug, with the support of the then Mayor of Ntongwe, Kagabo Charles, as well as Burundian refugees residing in the Nyagahama camp.
Placide Twagirumukiza, Social Welfare Officer of Kinazi Sector, emphasized that the genocide devastated Rwanda and must be remembered annually. He praised Kinazi Cassava Plant's management for observing this solemn moment each year.
He stated, 'We have suffered great tragedies! Imagine, while the residents of Kinazi Sector number fewer than 50,000 today, more than 63,000 people are buried in this memorial site; this is beyond belief. This history must be remembered by all of us, especially the youth, so they take responsibility to prevent such horrors from happening again.'
Alex Van De Langenberg, CEO of Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd, said the company feels a deep responsibility to remember, as preserving the history of the genocide is essential to preventing it from being forgotten.
He further reminded his team of their duty to safeguard this history, contribute to remembrance efforts, and cooperate with the government in supporting survivors on their path to rebuilding â€" the very path Rwanda continues to pursue.
Langenberg also commended the government's commitment to educating Rwandans, particularly the youth, about the genocide's history, urging them to condemn and reject such acts to ensure they never recur.
Ann Christin Ishimwe, Head of Sales and Marketing at Kinazi Cassava Plant Ltd, told IGIHE that the commemoration strengthens their resolve to rebuild in all aspects of their work.
IGIHE
