The commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi has played a big role in healing genocide-induced trauma despite the fact that during the commemoration period the survivors relive the memories of 28 years ago.
This was revealed by Dr. Assumpta Mhayisa, Executive Director for Memory and Genocide Prevention at Minister Of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).
“During the commemoration period, survivors are able to share their testimonies and this helps in the healing process. It has restored the hearts of those who used to live with trauma and this also triggered others to seek help to avoid various mental health diseases,” said Muhayisa, who is also a clinical psychologist.
She was speaking during a night vigil known as ‘Umugoroba wo Kwibuka’ on April 7 which was this year held virtually in line with the measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The event is normally held at the stadium. However, this year it was aired nationally and on different radio stations.
Panel discussion centered on measures to combat trauma and heal Genocide wounds.
Egide Nkuranga, the president of Ibuka, the umbrella organisation for Genocide survivors pointed out that trauma-related topics had to be a priority during the commemorating period to ensure the survivors’ trauma continues to heal.
“During commemoration, the number of trauma tend to rise because before this period, most of the survivors are busy with their everyday activities but April is always a nightmare to them and therefore such discussions strengthen them and make some to speak up. This is part of healing,” he said
He added that, in addition to gaining strength and comfort from such talks, they activate those who need professional mental health support.
Nelly Umulisa Rurangwa (the deputy chairperson of Rwanda We Want), a youth-led organization, stated that even children born after the Genocide were affected to such an extent that some suffer trauma.
She shared that her NGO runs different programs to help youth cope with the effects of Genocide on their mental health.
Yvonne Kayiteshonga (RBC Mental Health Division Manager) stated that the most affected by Genocide were the survivors. She said there are many traumas resulting from the experiences many of them had during the genocide.
“What they went through during the Genocide has affected them mentally and some live with such issues for life whenever nothing is done for them,” she said
She explained why some survivors are not speaking out by pointing out that it is due to the way people were treated during their healing process.
She said that in order to help them heal, they have made it a priority and deployed mental health specialists to all hospitals among other measures.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com
Source: rnewtimes
