Editor, RE: “Genocide survivor’s account of how RPF rescuers became family” (The New Times, July 4). I was deeply touched to read the most tragic life story of Francoise Muteteli on Rwanda’s Liberation Day. It is unimaginable how the young Francoise, who is a glowing example of resilience and fortitude, bore the wound and the bullet which remained embedded in her tender body for months together. One can imagine the pain and discomfort she must have gone through, coupled with the fact that she had to keep herself away from the Interahamwe militia of the genocidal government which had brutally killed her parents and six other members of her family, including three siblings. The silver lining in the young Genocide survivor’s dark cloud enabled her to sustain the trauma and immense depression she must have gone through. The kind woman, along with the true officer and a gentleman, Brig. Gen. Dr. Charles Rudakubana, saw Muteteli through those darkest days of her life. It is really commendable how The New Times brings into light the unimaginable yet true stories of ever so many Genocide survivors. In my opinion, these testimonies do serve as acknowledgements of the acts of bravery shown by individuals during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and remind us that never again should we allow this chapter in the history of this great nation to repeat itself. Clarence Fernandes
