FEATURED: I&M Bank Rwanda Plc remembers former employees killed in the Genocide against the Tutsi | The new times
Nova K. Williams
3 min read
As part of the 28th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, I&M Bank paid tribute to 25 former employees killed in the genocide.
On Friday May 6, they visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. The visit was aimed at helping I&M Bank employees understand how the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was executed to kill over a million lives in just 100 days.
They laid wreaths at the memorial before being led into its auditorium for discussions, and also lit candles to honor the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event also included a testimony from a genocide survivor and a musical performance by renowned artist Grace Mukankusi, with a song that depicted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Robin Bairstow, Managing Director of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc. Urged the staff to protect the achievements of the country after the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
“Each of us has a responsibility to protect what has been achieved since 1994, fervently fighting genocide ideology and teaching the next generation about our country’s history, to ensure that what has happened past does not happen again,” he said.
Furthermore, he commended the government for the unity and reconciliation initiative which he said inspired the new generation to strive to build unity and lasting peace.
Speaking of the families of former staff victims, he said that while no one’s efforts and actions can bring back the loved ones they lost, the bank has a responsibility to support them and keep them close.
“We send our deepest condolences to all the survivors; our prayers and thoughts are with you every year at a time like this,” he said, adding that “your resilience and strength have given this country a new direction and have also been a pillar in rebuilding “.
Bairstow revealed the bank is committed to continuing to support survivors.
“As an institution that has been part of this society and its transformation for many years, our concern and commitment to do more to help genocide survivors will always be guaranteed,” he said.
He further added that they will always work with local leaders and relevant bodies to identify those who need support and offer a helping hand.
Bonaventure Niyibizi, the President of I&M Bank Rwanda has revealed that the Bank has constructed a memorial monument for former staff who were victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The monument is located at the bank’s headquarters. This development is part of the tribute to the 25 former employees of I&M Bank Rwanda formerly BCR
Niyibizi also talked about different activities they have carried out to help the survivors, including building and renovating houses, among others.
The event included a discussion on justice in post-genocide Rwanda, as well as the role of the courts and the UN in bringing justice to survivors.
The courageous Olivier Ngabo, program manager at IBUKA, praised the bank for supporting survivors and highlighted the role of commemoration and the lessons people learn by remembering.
Ngabo also shared his gratitude to RPF Inkotanyi for stopping the Genocide and urged the public to fight against Genocide deniers.
