This April 26, 2024, workers from district hospitals, Nyagatare and Gatunda hospitals as well as those from health centres in their catchment area visited Nyagatare genocide memorial site where they laid flowers at the cemetery where rest the bodies of Tutsi killed during the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994, paying tribute to them.

During the event which was ushered in by a memorial march that started from the Nyagatare District Hospital to the memorial site, all those who gave speeches blamed the former health workers who took part in the genocide and called on the health workers present to fight for the unity of Rwandans and to fight so that there is no more genocide.

“In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994, as health workers, we cannot fail to blame some of those who had a profession like ours, who knew the value of life, but who failed in their duty to give longevity to Rwandans. They killed those they were responsible for treating,” said Dr. Ndayambaje K. Eddy, Director General of Nyagatare District Hospital.

On behalf of Ms. Murekatete Juliet, Vice Mayor of Nyagatare District in charge of social affairs, apart from the reproaches, she said she was proud of the fact that there were other health workers who did their best to saving lives of Tutsi hunted to be killed during the genocide.

“There were some health sector workers who participated in the genocide by killing those whose lives they were supposed to save, but there were also those who managed to save the Tutsis who were being killed. We thank them and you should learn from them,” Ms. Murekatete said.

During this event, health workers from Nyagatare district praised the courage of former RPF soldiers who saved certain victims and stopped the genocide.

“As health workers in Nyagatare district, we greatly appreciate the courage of the RPF Inkotanyi forces who saved some victims and ended the genocide against the Tutsi. We sincerely thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, who led these forces and who does not stop fighting for the unity of Rwandans after this bitter story that we have gone through.

During this 30th commemoration, staff from Nyagatare and Gatunda hospitals and health centers in their catchment areas supported this memorial and also promised to help some genocide survivors in need.