A delegation of 120 religious and traditional leaders from South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994 who are laid to rest there.
The visit aimed to deepen their understanding of the history of the genocide and to promote peace in the Great Lakes region.
The delegation said they gained deeper insight into the causes and consequences of the genocide, particularly the dangers of hatred and discrimination that led Rwanda into tragedy.
They emphasized their commitment to spreading messages of peace, especially in eastern Congo, where insecurity persists due to armed groups.
Among their commitments is to combat genocide ideology and hate speech, which they say continue to be propagated by individuals and groups seeking to destabilize the region, including those linked to perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
After visiting the memorial, the delegation also toured the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Centre, where they were briefed on armed groups such as FDLR and others associated with it.
They were also informed about Rwanda’s efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former combatants into society and promote peaceful coexistence.
The visitors commended Rwanda’s progress in unity and reconciliation following the genocide, describing it as an important lesson they will share with the communities they lead to help build lasting peace across the region.
