18 Bodies of Genocide Victims Found on the Shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi district

By The Inspirer writer.

On the shores of Lake Kivu, near the former EAFO Nyamishaba School of Agriculture and Forestry, 18 bodies of victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi have been discovered.

In the morning of August 5, 2024, the search for these bodies began at the site, which is now part of the Karongi Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC). This search was initiated following an incident on August 3, 2024, when a security guard patrolling the area noticed old clothes at a spot where a tree had fallen. Suspecting these might be the remains of genocide victims, he reported it to the authorities.

The Executive Secretary of Bwishyura Sector, Gashanana Saiba, told IGIHE that upon receiving this information, a community service activity was organized, which confirmed the discovery of 18 bodies.

 “The security guard informed the head of IPRC Karongi, who then informed me. We organized a community service activity and found 18 bodies.” He said.

During the Genocide, many Tutsi had sought refuge at EAFO Nyamishaba, hoping for safety at a government institution. However, Interahamwe militia, aided by some of the school’s students, launched attacks on the refugees, who were subsequently thrown into Lake Kivu.

Survivors from the area have testified that more bodies of those killed during the genocide are yet to be found. Authorities currently do not have information on the identities of the 18 bodies discovered and are calling for collaboration between the government and citizens to identify them.

The bodies found at the school have been transferred to the Gatwaro Genocide Memorial, where they will be prepared for a dignified burial.

Nyamishaba has a memorial site within the school grounds, where the remains of 3,500 Tutsi victims, who were killed at EAFO Nyamishaba and its surroundings, are buried.

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