MINAGRI Honors 800 Lost Employees

Why this is here: Laurent Gashugi recalled his nine-year-old daughter’s last words as, “Remain in prayer,” before she was killed during the genocide.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Rwanda honored over 800 former employees and colleagues killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at a commemoration event on May 15. The event, held at ministry headquarters, brought together survivors, officials, and representatives from Ibuka, a survivor’s organization. Ministry figures indicate about 800 victims have been identified from the 5,900 people employed by MINAGRI and its institutions in 1994.

Minister Telesphore Ndabamenye spoke of collective responsibility to remember the victims and prevent future atrocities. Christian Bizimana from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement explained how divisions rooted in agriculture and livestock contributed to the genocide’s origins. Janvier Bayingana of Ibuka noted that survivors continue to struggle with physical and psychological wounds even after 32 years.

Former employee Laurent Gashugi shared the heartbreaking final words of his two children, killed on the day of the commemoration. The ministry acknowledges that while the country has rebuilt, the full impact of the genocide remains.