On Sunday, April 17, 2022, Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital CARAES Ndera honoured its former Staff Members, Patients and Neighbours who were killed at the Hospital during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration event was attended by various officials, Hospital staff, neighbours, Genocide survivors and the families whose loved ones are laid to rest in CARAES Ndera Genocide Memorial.

The officials include Hon. Senator Dr Emmanuel Havugimana, Vice-Mayor of City of Kigali in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, Dr Merard Mpabwanamaguru, Gasabo District Deputy Executive Administrator, Regis Mudaheranwa, Mrs. Valerie Mukabayire, the Chariperson of AVEGA-Agahozo, and other officials from IBUKA, AERG and GAERG, among others.

April 17 is a particular evening for the management and staff of the hospital, neighbours, Genocide survivors, friends and families to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi laid to rest in CARAES Ndera Memorial. This event was preceded by the laying of wreaths at the memorial.

In his welcome remarks to the mourners, the Director General of CARAES Ndera Hospital, Brother Charles Nkubili said that April 17 is a day we remember the staff, patients, and other Tutsis who lived in Ndera and its neighbouring areas who were brutally killed by Interahamwe militia in this hospital, while they had sought refuge here hoping to survive. "We are gathering here tonight to remember and honour them," he said.

Brother Charles Nkubili expressed condolences to the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially those who lost their loved ones at the hospital during the Genocide. "As CARAES NDERA employees, we are committed to building on the values ​​of a true health care professional," he said.

In his talk on the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Dr Vincent Ntaganira explained what genocide is, that the genocide was planned by the government, that the Genocide against the Tutsi had its roots in colonialism, and that Rwandans were living in harmony before the colonial era. "Never hurt anyone for who they are,” he said, also urging parents to raise their children well as they are the hope for a better and united Rwanda.

Genocide survivors Antoinette Wibabara and Christine Girimbabazi, testified how they survived the Genocide against the Tutsi, and spoke of the torture they suffered while working as a staff members at CARAES Ndera Hospital.

Jean Felix Ingenzi, who spoke on behalf of those whose loved ones are laid to rest in CARAES Ndera Memorial, narrated how he survived the military and Interahamwe attacks while he and his entire family and many other Tutsis were at CARAES Ndera during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This is where he witnessed various attacks by the Interahamwe and the military, which killed a large number of Tutsis, including his parents and siblings. "The reason I am standing in front of you is to witness how one can experience the worst situation at such a young age and have the country help him in transformation," he said.

Theogene Kabagambire, the Chairperson of IBUKA, an umbrella organization of survivors, in Gasabo District, called on Rwandans not to disappoint the Inkotanyi who sacrificed their lives to stop the Genocide against the Tutsi and liberate Rwanda, urging them to work together to prevent anything that would turn Rwanda back or make the tragic history repeat itself.

The Vice-Mayor of City of Kigali in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru said: "Let us always remember that the genocide against the Tutsi did not just end, it was stopped. I say this because the perpetrators still have a plan to do so, and they are still trying to educate the young people about ethnicity.” He added: “Let’s help our youth to grow in a country that is free from divisions, and be part of the journey to development of the country and for all."

Hon. Senator Dr Emmanuel Havugimana, who was the guest of honour at the commemoration evening, said that 28 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda is on the right track and has made a tremendous progress at all levels.

He said that what Rwanda wants and what the current government has always promoted is the unity of Rwandans; "Ndi Umunyarwanda." He also commended how youth people, including those living abroad, are participating in commemoration and described how this gives hope for a stronger and more unified country.

Hon. Dr. Havugimana concluded by urging Rwandans to avoid complacency, saying that there are those who have a genocide ideology still trying to teach it to young people, "But he who loves his child does not teach him hatred," he emphasized.