Kigali urges residents to reveal locations of unburied genocide victims

By The Inspirer. 

Kigali City authorities have called on residents of Mageragere Sector in Nyarugenge District to share information on locations where victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were dumped, in a bid to ensure they receive dignified burials.

The appeal was made during the burial of 114 genocide victims at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial Site in Kicukiro District, where remains recovered from Mataba in the former Butamwa Commune were laid to rest.

The Deputy Mayor of Kigali City in charge of Housing and Infrastructure, Dusabimana Fulgence, said identifying remaining burial sites is key to advancing unity, reconciliation, and healing among affected families.

He urged residents with information to come forward, saying it would help families find closure and restore dignity to victims whose remains are still missing.

“As we continue our journey of unity and reconciliation, we encourage anyone with information on where remains are located to share it so they can be given a dignified burial. This will help many families find closure and strengthen national unity,” he said.

He also cautioned against the misuse of social media, stressing that the Genocide against the Tutsi should never be trivialized, and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to remembrance and survivor support programs.

Ngaboyumwami Alex, speaking on behalf of families of victims, said the 114 remains recovered from Mataba represent only a small fraction of those killed in the area, noting that many families are still searching for their loved ones.

He called for continued efforts to locate additional remains, saying proper burial remains essential for emotional healing.

Survivor Muhongayire Denise shared her testimony of survival in Mageragere, recounting how she was hidden during the genocide and later sustained severe injuries inflicted by Interahamwe militias, leaving her with long-term health complications.

She said her recovery journey has been marked by resilience and support from both the government and those who assisted her during and after the genocide.

IBUKA representative in Nyarugenge, Habinshuti Gaëtan, said survivors have made significant progress in rebuilding their lives, citing government support in healthcare, education, housing, and economic empowerment initiatives.

He thanked the liberation forces for restoring hope to survivors and enabling them to rebuild their lives.

IBUKA also commended survivors who have forgiven perpetrators, saying dignified burials contribute to emotional relief and healing.

The organization further urged young people from survivor families to document and share genocide history, particularly on social media, to counter denial and preserve the truth for future generations.