Remains of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that were interred at Bigogwe memorial site have been temporarily moved to Nyundo memorial site to pave way for the renovation and expansion of Bigogwe memorial site.

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Speaking to The New Times, the Mayor of Rubavu District, Ildephonse Kambogo, said: "Renovation and expansion will accommodate more sections that carry documentation material of how the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi happened, how victims buried there were killed along with testimonies.”

He added that there will also be a memorial garden among other facilities that will be added.

"The motive is to ensure that the memorial site would perverse memories for the next generations to what really happened,” said the mayor.

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Renovation and expansion works started on March 18, and are expected to last for 12 months. So far, Rwf851million has been earmarked for the works.

Ibuka, an umbrella body of Genocide survivors’ associations, welcomed the development.

The head of Ibuka in Rubavu District, Gerard Mbarushimana, said: "We thank the government for responding to our request to have the Bigogwe Memorial site renovated and expanded.”

"We would like the houses around the memorial to be removed from the area, and the district offers a donation so that we can commemorate in a big place.”

"On April 9, Bigogwe Genocide survivors will honor their loved ones at Nyundo genocide memorial,” he added.

Over 9,000 bodies of victims of the 1994 Genocide are buried at Bigogwe memorial site. They were killed in the areas of Mutura and Rwerere.