2023-09-24 02:01:19
Ruhagarika, Burundi – Friday September 22, 2023, the community of Ruhagarika gathered for a final mourning ceremony in memory of the victims of the massacre which took place on the night of May 11 to 12, 2018. The ceremony took place held in the presence of the Prime Minister of Burundi, HE Gervais Ndirakobuca.
The ceremony began with the laying of wreaths on the graves of the victims, in an atmosphere full of emotion. However, amidst tears and pain, a sense of gratitude towards the government was on the faces of survivors. This historic event brought together families, friends, dignitaries and citizens of Cibitoke province to honor the memory of the victims of the tragic massacre that shook the region five years ago.
The ceremony took place on the very hill where these tragic events took place, recalling the need to remember the past to build a better future. Representatives of the victims welcomed the government’s efforts to help the families affected by this tragedy. In their speeches, they stressed the importance of assistance to survivors and support measures to help survivors. They also demanded that the investigations into those responsible for the massacre be made public and that the results be known to all. This request is part of a quest for justice for the victims and their families, as well as the prevention of future acts of violence.
In his moving speech, the Prime Minister of Burundi, HE Gervais Ndirakobuca, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He urged the population to remain calm and work together for a better future. He strongly condemned the perpetrators of the 2018 massacre, and called on all of Burundian society to denounce them and work together to prevent such acts in the future.
Ruhagarika Stadium was filled with an attentive and emotional crowd, made up of grieving families, citizens of Cibitoke and dignitaries who came to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic 2018 event.
It was also an opportunity for the former to distribute school materials to local children and survivors. The population welcomed this gift with smiles and joy.
By: Blessing Nibizi
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