Kwibuka 31: Genocide in Kayonza ‘unfolded with unprecedented speed’ – survivor

Kayonza District, alongside neighbouring Gatsibo District, bears the sombre distinction of having witnessed one of the most rapidly executed episodes of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. According to Ibuka, the genocide survivors’ umbrella organisation, in both districts, the genocide unfolded with devastating speed, taking less than 10 days to decimate the Tutsi population across various communities. ALSO READ: Kagame urges Rwandans to fight for their dignified lives During the official launch of the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, on April 7, Didas Ndindabahizi, the President of Ibuka in Kayonza, underscored the importance of remembrance and the unique historical context of Kayonza. “The Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 was the fastest in history. Here in Kayonza, it unfolded with unprecedented speed—similar to what happened in Gatsibo. In under two weeks, the killing machinery had effectively murdered almost every individual identified as Tutsi,” Ndindabahizi stated. ALSO READ: Genocide Timeline April 7, 1994: The day Rwanda plunged into Genocide Referencing the 1992 national census, Ndindabahizi noted that approximately 50,000 Tutsi resided in the former communes of Rukara, Kayonza, Kabarondo, and parts of Muhazi and Rugarama—areas that now form present-day Kayonza District. “To date, around 30,000 bodies have been laid to rest in Kayonza’s genocide memorial sites. However, this number does not capture the full scale of the atrocity,” he added, pointing to the many victims whose bodies were never recovered. Testimonies shared during the commemoration shed light on the intensity of the violence. Jean Baptiste Rutayisire, a survivor of the genocide in Mukarange parish, recalled the horrors faced by those who sought refuge in the church compound. “We fought for our survival against Interahamwe while taking shelter at Mukarange parish. Grenade attacks killed many Tutsi, including Father Bosco—a priest who was not among those being targeted, but was killed for refusing to abandon the people under his care,” he recounted. Just two days later, Rutayisire witnessed the arrival of “Inkotanyi forces”, who rescued the remaining survivors. Jeanne Nyirahabimana, the Executive Secretary of Eastern Province, denounced the brutality of the genocide and the betrayal by local leaders who orchestrated and led the killings. “After halting the genocide, the Government of National Unity committed itself to rebuilding Rwanda under a shared national identity—'Ndi Umunyarwanda'—and to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of every citizen,” she stated. “As we commemorate this painful past, we must also recognize and appreciate the remarkable progress Rwanda has achieved under visionary, inclusive leadership.” The event also placed strong emphasis on the role of youth in preserving memory and countering genocide denial and revisionism. Young people were called upon to use digital platforms to share truthful narratives, promote unity, and safeguard Rwanda’s historical legacy. The district-level commemoration was held at Mukarange Genocide Memorial, where local leaders laid wreaths in honor of the victims. The site is the final resting place of 9,378 individuals who were murdered solely for being Tutsi.

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Kwibuka 31: Genocide in Kayonza ‘unfolded with unprecedented speed’ – survivor