Nyamasheke: 30 Genocide Victims Laid to Rest in Dignity

The remains of 30 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were laid to rest in dignity at the Gashirabwoba Genocide Memorial in Nyamasheke District. Among them, 29 were recovered from the former Munyove sector and one from Bushenge Sector.

The burial coincided with the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in the sectors of Bushenge and Ruharambuga in Nyamasheke District and Giheke in Rusizi District.

During the ceremony, which took place at the Gashirabwoba Genocide Memorial, survivor Mukahirwa Mediatrice shared her testimony. She lost 12 family members in the genocide and was only 12 years old at the time. She credited the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) for stopping the genocide, expressing gratitude for their intervention.

“In those we buried today are my mother and siblings. Today, I live with the joy of survival—I have four children, two of whom are in secondary school,” she said.

Emmanuel Mushinzimana, speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, explained that emotional trauma had delayed their participation in the government’s program to consolidate genocide memorials.

“Seeing some memorials added to World Heritage has helped us understand the importance of this effort. Today, we chose to bring our loved ones here to rest among others. We thank the leadership of both Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts for supporting us and strengthening our love for this country.”

Nyamasheke District Mayor, Mupenzi Narcisse, noted that the brutality of the genocide perpetrators continues to hinder recovery efforts, as many remains are still unaccounted for.

“That is why we urge anyone with information about possible burial sites to come forward. Sharing this information is not a crime—it’s an act of humanity.”

The Gashirabwoba Memorial Site, where the remains were buried, already housed 20,174 victims, most of whom were killed at the Gashirabwoba football pitch—now the site of the memorial.

By: Uwamaliya Florence