April 26, 1994: When ISAR Rubona Tutsi employees were massacred

On April 26, 1994, Tutsi employees at Rwanda Agriculture Research Institute (ISAR Rubona) in Huye and other Tutsi from neighbouring areas were massacred. Many of the Tutsi who were employed by the institution had sought refuge there, fearing for their lives as mass targeted killings during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi worsened, with more than 20,000 Tutsi killed in Tambwe sector, in Ruhango District. ALSO READ: Killing many in a short period; how civilians were prepared for the Genocide That day, Interahamwe militia, aided by law enforcement personnel attacked the area, perpetrating a massacre that lasted for hours. ALSO READ: April 25, 1994: As Genocide raged, the world looked away Former Butare governor Sylvain Nsabimana visited ISAR Rubona the following day. The surviving Tutsi were relocated to a place called Gakera nearby Mount Rubona. While there, they attempted to build temporary shelters but they were attacked and killed on May 2. The exact death toll at ISAR Rubona remains unclear, but it is estimated that around 70 staff members and their families perished. In Karongi District, Birambo Catholic Parish and surrounding areas witnessed the massacre of over 6,000 Tutsi on April 26, along with previous attacks. ALSO READ: April 20, 1994: Queen Gicanda murdered, massacres escalate in Butare Fleeing from rampant looting and arson, the Tutsi sought refuge at local government offices, the parish, and nearby schools. However, on April 26, they faced a coordinated assault by Interahamwe, local authorities, and security forces, resulting in widespread loss of life. In Kamonyi, at Mugina Catholic Parish, the Tutsi who had resisted the attackers for many days were ultimately overwhelmed and killed on April 26. Despite attempts to defend themselves, the force of the assailants proved too much for them. ALSO READ: Callixte Ndagijimana, the Bourgmestre who was murdered for defending the Tutsi Mayor Callixte Ndagijimana of Mugina provided support to Tutsi refugees, but his efforts were thwarted by former mayor Onesphore Ngiruwonsanga, who orchestrated a campaign of starvation and violence against them before they were killed on April 26. Their killers used guns, grenades, machetes, and stones.

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April 26, 1994: When ISAR Rubona Tutsi employees were massacred