Brother, as Rwanda bids you goodbye today, I too wish to add my voice to the solemn farewell.

Though it is hard to find the right words on this dark day,  I thank God for your exemplary life.

I am humbled as I contemplate your courage in the face of tyranny.

Rarely have we seen a man live his faith through so boldly in the face of persecution and intimidation, of constant humiliation and ridicule.

Rwanda is humbled by the reconciliation message you believed and exemplary lived.

You did not just sing reconciliation, you lived it and put it into practice .

You did not settle for silence, you refused to accept the unacceptable. You chose the narrow and difficult road of truth and you did not stumble in your humanism.

Brother, we lay your body to rest today but we will hold on to your spirit and to your message of peace and reconciliation. We will remember your dedication to the cause of unity in humanism. We will remember your admonishments and encouragements to forgive one another.

Those who took your life will never be able to extinguish the lights of hope that you lit in the hearts of many Rwandans.

We will remember you for your resilience, for your tolerance and decency.

We will honor your example with efforts in understanding and valuing each other.

May we find it in our hearts to have the courage to emulate you in our rapport with one another.

Farewell Brother, “Sit Tibi terra levis”.


Noble Marara