The association of Genocide widows –Avega-Agahozo –has launched a book titled "Entendez-nous” (translated as Hear Us) aimed at breaking the silence over the atrocities they faced during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Launched on April 5, on the margin of the Kwibuka 30 International Conference, the book is a compilation of personal testimonies of 13 women widowed during the Genocide, put together to inspire more others to open up, but most importantly for humanity to listen to the truth and depth of the Genocide.
They include Sylvie Barakagwira, Yvonne Kabanyana, Chantal Kayitesi, Esther Mujawayo, Pauline Mukakarangwa, Dancille Mukandoli, Immaculee Mumaranyota, Irene Musayidire, Jeanne Mwiliriza, Languine Nyirababeruka, Annociata Nyiratamba, Claudine Umutoni, Esperance Uwambyeyi.
The book which took two years to finish was co-authored with the French author Daniel le Scornet who also wrote ‘Si Kigali était contée’ or ‘If Kigali was a tale’, a documentation of Kigali’s History from pre-colonial times to rising from the Genocide ashes.
Esther Mujawayo, Co-author and member of Avega Agahozo, commended the government’s leadership that supported them in the journey of healing and finding life worthy of living after many were left widows, some without any relatives or children.
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She explained that while the Genocide sufferings cannot be compared to one another, the greatest wounds that many women live with are having lost all their children and endured the systematic rape crimes committed against them.
With that reality, she noted that the women now live on, clothed with beauty and kindness, adding that one of the most encouraging and joyful things they experience daily is witnessing those who were babies during the Genocide becoming grownups and building families of their own.
Mujawayo said that even though everyone’s testimony cannot be summed up in one book, these written stories brought healing and gave life back to the lost loved ones.
"This book is an appreciation to those who already listened to us, however, there are many widows who never spoke about their stories nor dared to cry throughout their lives, this book is therefore a message to humanity that it is possible. Hear us and act on it.”
Daniel Le Scornet said that as the world has recognized the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is imperative to tell the individual stories of the atrocities faced to the entire public.
"It is amazing how the widows were able to come together, establish such an organization, and take care of the many orphans that were left after the Genocide, among other responsibilities and defied patriarchal mindsets in society.”
"If they were able to do all that and more, they have a message to tell humanity,” he added.
Commenting on the launch of the book, Daphrose Gauthier, Co-founder of the France-based Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR), acknowledged the essence of documenting such testimonies in terms of preserving the memory, and evidence of historical truth for justice to prevail but also generational knowledge.
"We are all aging and time is no longer on our side. We must record as many testimonies as possible for future generations.”
The book was launched ahead of the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, holding significant meaning for all Rwandans. 30 years of paying tribute to the victims, rebuilding the country from ashes, and yet another moment to dream for the future.