Survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Kayonza District seek advocacy and assistance to visit a Genocide memorial site in Ngara District, Kagera region, Tanzania. The site houses the remains of 917 victims—men, women and children.
The appeal was made during the start of the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Kabarondo sector on April 7, where over 3,000 Tutsi were massacred by Interahamwe militias, led by former Kabarondo commune leaders Octavien Ngenzi and Tito Barahira.
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According to Ibuka, the umbrella organisation of survivors, during the Genocide in areas near Akagera National Park, Tutsi fled to Tanzania to escape the killings. However, many were killed and thrown into the Akagera River, with their bodies ending up in the Kagera region. Survivors believe that visiting the memorial site will help them pay respect to their loved ones who were killed during the Genocide.
"Interahamwe militias established a ‘ceinture de sécurité’ near Akagera National Park, exterminating Tutsi who escaped killings by crossing into the park. Many Genocide victims were buried in Ngara, Kagera, where a Tanzanian offered his land for burial. We seek support so that commemorating our loved ones can take place at the memorial site. I am sure in Kayonza we have survivors who wish to pay respect to their relatives laid to rest at the memorial site,” said Didas Ndengabaganizi, Ibuka Chairman in Kayonza District.
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Responding to Ibuka’s request, Senator John Bonds Bideri highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to preserving the memory of the victims at the Ngara memorial site. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that future generations remember and learn from the tragic events that took place in Rwanda.
"During his visit to Rwanda, Tanzania’s foreign affairs minister confirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining the Ngara memorial site, ensuring accommodating visits. This gesture of solidarity from our neighbouring country will help ensure that the memory of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten. We are grateful for this support,” he said.
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The Tutsi who were killed while escaping through Akagera National Park were fleeing brutal violence and mass killings at the Kabarondo commune, on the orders of Ngenzi and Barahira, who were convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity in France in 2016.
Speaking at the event, Kayonza District mayor John Bosco Nyemazi emphasised the importance of honouring the memory of those who lost their lives during the Genocide. He expressed gratitude for the courage of survivors in the unity and reconciliation process and urged them to come together in solidarity and support for one another as they strive to move forward from the trauma of the past towards rebuilding their lives.