Rusizi: Local leaders urged to promote peace

Rusizi district official asked local leaders to assist in preaching peace building, conflict resolution initiatives and development related messages to the people they lead.

The call was made by the vice mayor for social affairs in Rusizi district Basile Bayihiki during a training organized by Rwanda Peace Education Program (RPEP), a multi-organisation partnership led by the Aegis Trust.

“Educate the youth about the history of Rwanda. It’s one of the ways we can learn so that as Rwandans can build lasting peace,” said Bayihiki

She urged them to seize every opportunity, such as meetings at village level and the monthly community work, Umuganda, to make interventions and encourage local residents to embrace developmental programmes.

The Rwanda Peace Education Programme is a multi-organisation partnership led by the Aegis Trust in collaboration with USC Shoah Foundation, Radio la Benevolencija and the Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace (IRDP).

The program aims at restoring lasting peace in Rwanda after the 1994 Tutsi Genocide that left wounds on the hearts of Rwandans.

 “This program encourages harmony and promotes Rwandan values among the residents,” said Anitha Kayirangwa; Director of Rwanda Peace Education Program.

 ‘The training was crucial because it provided us with means to building lasting peace through living with others in harmony and personally I believe this lead us to lasting peace’ said one participant

During the training trainers used videos from Gisozi memorial site describe the tarnished history of Rwanda to the participants and how Rwanda is progressing 20 years after the tragedy.