Every year, Rwanda and friends of Rwanda commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi during which over one million innocent people were killed in just 100 days. Under the theme ‘Remember-Unite-Renew’, this year observes the 29th Commemoration—during which the country recollects the vicious crimes against humanity, pays respects to the lives lost, and fights against genocide denial and its ideology. ALSO READ: Kwibuka: Rwanda to consolidate Genocide memorials Many young people do not know much about the brutal events that started on April 7, 1994. Some find it hard to comprehend, yet it’s a crucial historical fact that people ought to learn about. In this article, we highlight six places one can visit to learn more about Rwanda’s tragic history. Nyanza Genocide Memorial Garden The Nyanza Memorial Garden also known as “Jardin de la Memoire” (Garden of Memory) located in Kicukiro District, symbolises life and rebirth after the Genocide, and portrays the protection offered by nature. The garden has different features, such as a stone monument, a dry garden, the forest of memory, landscape terraces, earth mounds, a meditation corridor, seasonal marshlands, and an amphitheatre where people gather to commemorate. ALSO READ: Renovation of Bigogwe Genocide memorial site gets underway Murambi Genocide Memorial The Murambi Genocide Memorial, formally Murambi Technical School, is located in Nyamagabe District and was created on April 21, 1995. During the Genocide, the Tutsis of this region sought sanctuary here, where a technical school was being constructed. Murambi, today serves as one of six national genocide memorial sites and contains the remains of approximately 50,000 victims killed at the technical school, including some remains exhumed from the surrounding area. Only 34 people from this site are believed to have survived the Genocide. Ntarama Memorial On April 14, 1995, the Church of Ntarama was converted into a Genocide memorial to remember the 5,000 people who were killed there. One of Rwanda’s six national genocide memorial sites, located in Bugesera District, it was historically less populated than other areas in Rwanda as it was heavily forested with swamp areas that were infested by the tsetse fly. Ntarama contains human remains, clothing, and artefacts belonging to those who were killed at the church, which are on display at all times. Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial, which was part of the former commune of Rusumo, was created on April 14, 1995, near the Tanzanian border. The site is close to a convent of Catholic nuns and its foundation stone was laid in 1995 by then-Vice President, Paul Kagame. The memorial has a small exhibition that describes how the Genocide was carried out, the weapons used and how the attacks were conducted. In just two days, more than 35,000 Tutsis were killed and only 18 people survived in the church. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s memorial sites and the stories they tell Campaign against Genocide Museum One of the eight museums managed by Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, the Campaign against Genocide Memorial is housed within the grounds of the National Parliament of Rwanda, in Gishushu, Kigali. It was inaugurated in 2017 by H.E Paul Kagame with the aim to showcase the history of Rwanda. The museum offers deeper learning of the political events that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, its effects, and the liberation struggle. Nyamata Genocide Memorial The Nyamata Genocide Memorial was desacralized by the Roman Catholic Church on April 11, 1997, and transformed into a memorial for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. One person is buried inside the church, which also houses the victims’ clothes and belongings. Mass graves are situated behind the church, containing 45,308 Genocide victims. Kigali Genocide Memorial Inaugurated in 2004, the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It was built in collaboration with Rwanda’s National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) and the Aegis Trust. It serves as a museum where both local and international visitors can learn about the history, implementation, and consequences of the Genocide. There is also a children’s memorial and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Education Centre, Gardens, and Genocide Archive of Rwanda form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished and provide a powerful educational tool for visitors.
