Kinyinya Honors Victims of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in 31st Commemoration Ceremony

Residents of Kinyinya Sector in Gasabo District gathered on April 19, 2025, to commemorate the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, particularly those killed in Gasharu and Murama cells. The 31st commemoration began at the Kinyinya Genocide Museum in Murama, where participants were guided through the tragic history of the area.

The event continued at GS Kinyinya with discussions focusing on the genocide’s origins, the importance of preserving memory, and the ongoing fight against genocide ideology. Survivors shared harrowing testimonies, highlighting the brutality of the genocide and the journey of resilience and rebuilding.

One of the most horrifying incidents remembered was the massacre of nearly 200 Tutsi who had taken refuge at the Deutsche Welle (DW) radio station on April 14, 1994. Believing the German-run facility offered safety, the Tutsi gathered there for protection. Two days later, soldiers from Kami military camp ordered DW staff to leave the premises. After their evacuation, a local DW employee, Uwimfura Callixte, summoned Interahamwe militias, leading to a mass killing. Only three people survived.

The role of local figures in orchestrating and encouraging the violence was also highlighted. Kinyinya was home to two well-known Interahamwe: Callixte UWIMFURA, who facilitated the massacre at Deutsche Welle, and Chief Warrant Officer ZIRIMWABAGABO, who served as an Interahamwe instructor. ZIRIMWABAGABO was notorious for his cruelty and open humiliation of Tutsi—he would force Tutsi to drink from the same beer he had given his dog, and when they refused, he would beat them brutally, in at least one case breaking the victim’s ribs and leaving them permanently disabled.

Now a father of three, Vincent NSHIZIRUNGU, a genocide survivor, lost both parents during the genocide against the Tutsi in Kinyinya. “When I remember the death of my mother, I feel a lot of pain because they cut her whole body—even her private parts,” he shared with raw emotion. 

He continued, “Even though our families are gone, we are still alive. It is not easy to tell people what happened to us… that someone was raped or cut in different parts of their body and lived. It’s a long journey.”

NSHIZIRUNGU expressed his gratitude to the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) soldiers, saying, “I always thank the Inkotanyi because if they had delayed even two days, we would not be here today. We are now grateful that we have a healthy country and good leadership.”

Another survivor, François KAYIRANGA, also lost his parents in Kinyinya. He recounted being saved by a Hutu man, Damascene, a friend of his father who hid him in Kimironko until the RPA arrived. “I am grateful to the unity government for helping me study; now I have a good job in the government,” he said. 

He added, “My commitment as a survivor is to serve my country and have my role in the government policy of ‘Never Again’.”

Albert MUSABYIMANA, delivered a speech on the history of the Genocide Against the Tutsi and is also a survivor in Kinyinya, emphasizing that the genocide was not an impulsive act but the culmination of institutionalized hatred and discrimination. “Hate and discrimination against the Tutsi were institutionalized long before the genocide. It wasn’t just over 31 years—it began with the categorization of Rwandans,” he explained.

MUSABYIMANA detailed how colonial rule exacerbated ethnic divisions, noting, “In 1934, Belgium conducted a census and introduced identity cards that labeled people as Hutu or Tutsi. This laid the foundation for later violence, including the 1994 genocide.”

“We remember to further rebuild ourselves, to fight against genocide ideology, and in order to have a youth that is united,” he concluded.

Jean Claude RUNIHANGABO, representing IBUKA in Gasabo District, praised survivors for their resilience. “In the name of IBUKA, we commend the survivors for their progress, supported by the unity government,” he said.

“In the past, Tutsi students were excluded from education, but today we see survivors excelling in school and rebuilding their lives.”

Hon. Deputy Betty MURORA, who served as the guest of honor, called on the youth to take an active role in defending the truth. “As a government, we are deeply concerned about genocide denial. To our youth—this is your time to stand up. Use social media to challenge and expose those who distort our history,” she urged.

MURORA emphasized the importance of vigilance, unity, and the shared duty to preserve the truth. “We must all take responsibility to ensure that the atrocities of 1994 are never repeated. Our collective memory is our strength.”

At the Kinyinya memorial, 441 genocide victims are buried—a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the enduring importance of remembrance.