TWIYUBAKIRE PROGRAM: STRENGTHENING SOCIAL COHESION IN POST-GENOCIDE COMMUNITIES

Through the Twiyubakire Program, CEJP Rwanda supports around 220 genocide survivors and former genocide prisoners in their journey of healing trauma, seeking and granting forgiveness, and reintegrating into their communities. This initiative primarily targets the Gisagara District (Mugombwa Sector) and Bugesera District (Ruhuha Sector).
The Twiyubakire Program encompasses multiple areas of intervention, including education, agriculture, and social cohesion. It operates in partnership with Trocaire and is funded by FCDO/UK
in Rwanda. Through the project “Contribute towards strengthened social cohesion in Post-Genocide Communities in Rwanda,” implemented by CEJP RWANDA, participants engage in a five-months program that focuses on healing psychological trauma and practicing forgiveness.

CEREMONY OF CONVIVIALITY IN GISAGARA DISTRICT

On March 26, 2026, a ceremonial gathering took place in Mugombwa Sector, Gisagara District, attended by 100 participants, 50 genocide survivors and 50 former prisoners. The event began with a holy mass led by His Lordship Bosco NTAGUNGIRA, Bishop of the Diocese of Butare, who officially welcomed the 50 ex-prisoners seeking forgiveness. The Bishop imparted blessings and light, symbolizing a new beginning for all.

Distinguished guests, including Father Valens NIRAGIRE, Secretary General of CEJP Rwanda, and local district representatives, emphasized the importance of unity and reconciliation. They highlighted that this journey requires ongoing commitment and resilience.

One former prisoner shared her testimony, expressing newfound freedom and a sense of belonging in her community. She described how she can now embrace her identity as a woman, overcoming the trauma she experienced in prison. Another individual shared that the burden of discomfort regarding those who caused atrocities to her family has lifted, allowing them to live in peace.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic donation of pigs, enabling each genocide survivor to raise a pig alongside the ex-prisoners they reconciled with, representing their renewed partnership and a shared future.

BUGESERA DISTRICT CEREMONY

On March 9, 2026, a similar ceremony took place in Ruhuha Sector, Bugesera District, with 115 participants, 48 ex-genocide prisoners and 67 genocide survivors.His Eminence Antoine Cardinal KAMBANDA remarked that God reconciles with us first so that wecan extend that reconciliation to others. He emphasized the importance of learning to forgive and seek forgiveness, as this is what God asks of us.

Madam Alice UWERA, representative of MINUBUMWE, Joseph NKURANGA, Executive Secretary of Bugesera District, and Father Valens NIRAGIRE collectively underscored the significance of resilience and reconciliation in fostering personal, community, and national rebuilding.

The ceremony concluded with a donation of goats, symbolizing unity, reconciliation, and collaborative efforts within the community.

ONGOING JOURNEY

The journey of healing, forgiveness, and reintegration is ongoing, and while significant progress has been made, the path to true reconciliation continues. It requires sustained effort, commitment, and the community&collective will to foster understanding and unity.