Building Peace in Rwanda at Christmas

This Christmas, SCIAF is calling on supporters to send messages of peace and love to the people of Rwanda and help rebuild communities that were torn apart by hatred and fear.

In 1994 Rwanda was brought to its knees by a brutal ethnic genocide. 800,000 people were slaughtered in just 100 days and millions fled as friends and neighbours turned on each other.

In towns and villages across the country, survivors were forced to live side by side with those who took part in the killings.

Fifteen years on, SCIAF is working to build a lasting peace in Rwanda so that this killing does not happen again.

In the aftermath of the genocide, our partner the Justice and Peace Commission of Rwanda (CEJP) began working with local priests in every diocese in the country to set up peace and reconciliation associations.

These groups bring together people who lost loved ones with those accused of their killings. It has been a slow process but, thanks to your support, CEJP is achieving the impossible – people are starting to forgive and move forward.

Write a message or prayer of support on one of SCIAF’s candle shaped cards and we will send it to members of peace associations who are working to build peace in Rwanda. Alternatively, you can email your message of peace to supporterservices@sciaf.org.uk.

Like many thousands of women, Candide lost her husband and parents in the genocide. She saw countless other friends and family members murdered and her home reduced to rubble. Candide almost gave up but, with your help, she is putting the past behind her.

She said: “At first I saw no life, no future. When I saw my neighbours I was angry with all of them because I suspected them of genocide. But thanks to the training, I realised I needed to distinguish the sinner from the sin. I started to feel inner peace. Little by little my pain reduced and I felt able to forgive.”

Through CEJP Candide met Pascal, the man who killed her husband. He repented for what he had done and she forgave him.

She added: “Pascal was brave and accepted his actions. Through him I was able to learn about my husband’s death. He removed the sadness from my heart and relieved me of the pain. That changed my life.”

When Pascal was released from jail, Candide was one of the first to welcome him home.

He said: “The peace group used to come and educate us in prison. At first we thought they were lying when they said they forgave us. We thought, ‘It’s not possible.’ I thought I would never dare show my face in front of them.

“When I came home I saw that what I’d been told was true. Those I feared came first to meet me. They hugged me, welcomed me, helped me and said I was part of the family. We never thought reconciliation would be possible but now we live alongside those we committed crimes against. Candide and I are friends. I come to her house and we eat and drink together.”

Your prayers and messages of support will be sent to inspirational people like Candide and Pascal who are working together to put their suffering behind them and build a lasting peace.

To receive your free candle card so that you can write a message or prayer of support to the people of Rwanda call 0141 354 5555 or email supporterservices@sciaf.org.uk.