As Rwanda commemorates the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, poetry emerges as a powerful medium to express the resilience of Rwandans, and remember loved ones lost during the 100 days of horror. The New Times spoke with poets, who delved into the significance of poetry in preserving the memory and honoring the victims of the Genocide. They articulated the profound impact of verses in capturing their emotions. ALSO READ: Rwandan poets share commemoration poems Olivier Tuyisenge, a renowned poet shared his insights on the unique role poetry plays in recounting the atrocities of the Genocide. For many, poetry serves as a vessel to convey the untold stories of loss, survival, and hope amidst unimaginable despair. The ‘Akabarwa’ poet believes that poetry uniquely captures the testimonies and emotions of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi compared to other forms of artistic expression. He noted that most commemoration events include poetry performances because they offer a profound expression of emotions and history. “For example, poems like ‘Ndangira aho bashyinguye’, (Show me their burial place), ‘Uguha Ndahari’ and more are crafted with deep messages and capture every aspect about the atrocity. Besides, Rwandan history has been preserved through poems. Most of the people got to know their history through poems,” the 29-year-old said. He mentioned ‘Ibuka,’ a poem by Sussane Nyiranyamibwa as an example of the artwork that, in particular, effectively tells the story of the Genocide, and can resonate with anyone. ALSO READ: Telling the Rwandan story through poetry – young poetesses’ perspective For Better Uhiriwe Benigne, poems generally addresses topics that are hardly talked about like the harsh and painful side in a subtle way to cater for grieving survivors. The ‘Finding Each Other’ poet who was born after the Genocide in 1994, said that in their effort to craft and contextualize the theme; they still find it difficult to speak about the history since they didn’t live it. Uhiriwe added that learning ‘Imigani’ (Rwandan proverbs), ‘Kwivuga’ (self-praise), and folktales, hav helped her hone her poetry skills and preserve her cultural identity. “They helped me preserve my culture and embrace my heritage as a Rwandan. If we got to tell poetry through our language most especially when telling genocide stories, it would be beneficial for wider dissemination, not limited to April. It should be there as something natural to talk about,” she said. “I would love to tell poets out there to come together because we are scattered around somewhere,” she added. Uhiriwe is known for her poems such as ‘Beautiful Things End’, ‘Moments’, ‘What History Means to Me’, ‘Afraid’ and more. Challenges, capabilities Poets face challenges in conveying the complexities of the Genocide. Tuyisenge noted the inappropriate use of certain Kinyarwanda words risks losing originality, so artists must choose carefully. Tuyisenge emphasizes that poetry serves as a crucial means for survivors, and anyone grappling with the complexities of trauma, to find solace. Some poets, including Tuyisenge himself, have adeptly crafted poems inspired with comforting messages voluntarily such as ‘Wihogora Ndahari’, ‘Inkovu ziracyavirirana’, and ‘Mwicuze Mwaracumuye’. “He urges fellow poets not to approach their craft driven only by economic demands. Rather, they should recognise the significant role poets play in narrative preservation and storytelling.”
