WASAC Group and REG Commemorate Former ELECTROGAZ Employees Who Lost Their Lives in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

Held at REG Headquarters in Kigali, the event brought together families and friends of the victims, alongside staff, officials, and partners from both institutions, to remember and pay tribute to those who perished. The commemoration began with a moment of silence, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial monument located at the REG Headquarters.

A particularly moving moment of the event was the testimony delivered by Muhorakeye Odette, a former ELECTROGAZ employee and survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In her account, she recounted the discrimination and hardship she faced prior to her employment, as well as the fear that characterized her time at ELECTROGAZ. She shared how opportunities were denied to her because of her identity and described the constant threats faced by Tutsi employees, often from colleagues.

She further emphasized that the Genocide against the Tutsi was methodically planned, noting that meetings were held, even within workplaces, to organize the killings. She cautioned against denial, stressing the importance of acknowledging the truth. Concluding her testimony, she expressed both pain and gratitude, reflecting on her eventual rescue by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (Inkotanyi) and appreciation for the country’s leadership.

In his remarks, Ambassador Uwihanganye Jean de Dieu, Minister of State in charge of Infrastructure at the Ministry of Infrastructure, reminded participants that the commemoration period is an important time to reinforce the spirit of Ndi Umunyarwanda as a foundation for national unity. He urged all Rwandans to learn from history, work collectively, and reject any form of division or genocide ideology.

The Chief Executive Officer of WASAC Group, Dr. Asaph Kabaasha, underscored the responsibility of institutions to preserve history and educate future generations. He reaffirmed the commitment of WASAC Group and REG to document testimonies and safeguard the memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, particularly those connected to former ELECTROGAZ employees.

To date, 174 former ELECTROGAZ employees have been identified as victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. WASAC Group and REG remain dedicated to continuing efforts to identify additional victims and document testimonies, ensuring that this history is preserved for future generations.