The exhumation of remains of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi continues across Karongi District, 32 years later, with the local authorities attributing the discovery to the scale of atrocities committed in the former Kibuye Prefecture and the continued concealment of information about where the victims were dumped. “Even though we are commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi 32 years later, it feels as if it happened yesterday, as we continue to exhume more bodies,” Karongi District's Mayor Gerald Muzungu said during a commemoration event held in Bwishyura Sector on Saturday, April 18. ALSO READ: Genocide survivors urge efforts to find missing remains of loved ones in Rutsiro Authorities indicate that many victims in Kibuye town were killed by the military, with the intent of exterminating the entire Tutsi population. “We are still finding bodies. Just last night, we recovered the remains of more than two genocide victims, added the mayor. Vedaste Ngarambe, Head of Ibuka in Karongi, explained that in Kibuye, an estimated 200,000 Tutsi were killed within just seven days in 1994. The victims included children who initially survived attacks at Gatwaro Stadium and fled to Kibuye Hospital with injuries. However, orders were later issued to kill them all. “We also call for further investigation into why some individuals still refuse to disclose information about where victims were killed and dumped, he added. Ibuka Karongi reports that remains are still being discovered during construction of roads and building projects. These include 143 bodies exhumed from various sectors across Karongi District—mainly Bwishyura—who were laid to rest at Gatwaro Genocide Memorial during thr Kwibuka event in Karongi town. Anne Marie Mukantabana, a survivor, recounted how she was targeted by military forces stationed in Kibuye town as well as witnessing people being killed with grenades, bullets, and rockets at Saint-Pierre Catholic Church. ALSO READ: Defence minister warns against violence targeting Genocide survivors The mother of three says she has found some peace through unity and reconciliation, though she remains troubled by instances of genocide denial.
