There are about eight Genocide Memorial sites in Rwanda as a result of the 1994 war and these places were put in place to actually commemorate this dangerous Genocide war. Close to one million people died and it is believed that this war happened for about 100 days. During your safari in Rwanda it is important to visit at least one of the genocide memorial sites that are spread across Rwanda. Your visit will enable you to learn about the theme of Kwibuka.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi was opened on the 10th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi, in April 2004. The Centre in Kigali was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The creation of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre was funded by a number of donors worldwide. It contains a permanent exhibition of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi and an exhibition of other genocides around the world.
The Centre includes three permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. There is also a children’s memorial, and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Education Centre, Memorial Gardens and National Documentation Centre of the Genocide all contribute to a meaningful tribute to those who perished, and form a powerful educational tool for the next generation.
The Kigali Memorial Centre is an International centre that deals with a topic of International importance, with far-reaching significance, and is designed to engage and challenge an international visitor base. The response from genocide survivors to the creation of the Centre was unpredicted. In the first week, over 1,500 survivors visited each day. In the first three months of the Centre’s opening, around 60,000 people from a variety of backgrounds visited it. Over 7,000 of these visitors were from the International Community.
Camp Kigali Belgian Monument
At the onset of Genocide, ten Belgian UN Blue Beret were deployed to guard the Prime Minister. Presidential Guard soldiers invaded the home, disarmed the Belgians and transported them to Camp Kigali where they killed them. There are ten pillars at this site to commemorate these soldiers, an eleventh one inside in memory of all the victims. The Prime Minister was also killed.
Murambi Genocide Memorial site
It’s acknowledged that about to 2700 individuals were slaughtered at this school. Since the genocide ended, this place was deserted and the natives settled in others places. Several corpses up to date are being preserved and no one is permitted to distract these sites. Due to the fast-developing tourism industry in Rwanda, this school has been refurbished and is currently an exhibition.
The Tourists that have visited this area also get free information regarding the intriguing history of the country. Other than the displays of corpses, there are also preserved burial-rooms in which tourists can also have clear views. You will be guided around by some of the survivors who will narrate to you their disheartening experience. A single mass grave was dug and here the victims were given a decent burial.
Gisenyi Memorial site
Gisenyi memorial site is located in Gisenyi peripheries. Approximately 12000 remains of victims killed in the 1994 genocide are kept here. It’s recognized as the very first memorial site established through the help of Ibuka. The ministry of youth, sports & culture in addition made a very great contribution. The Bodies buried at this site were collected from Nyundo and the area of Corniche. In addition Madame Carr’s grave is as well found in this area; she was an American who managed the Imbabazi orphanage.
Nyamata memorial site
This memorial site is located in Bugesera district. Before the genocide, this was a church however during the war approximately 2500 people had gone to take refuge in this church where they were killed. It is approximately 35kms from Kigali city. Today the church continues to be in place as a memento of the 1994 Genocide.
Bisesero Memorial site
The site is located in Karongi district on the lower slopes of Kibuye region in western Rwanda. It is supposed that approximately 30,000 people were killed in this region. They were presented by the French soldiers because of their braveness and the opposition they displayed. This was the place of the Tutsis as they organized to stand up against the Massacre. Due to their weak weapons, most of them were murdered by the Hutus.
The Bisesero Memorial site is comprised of nine small structures which symbolize the nine communities which initially formed the Kibuye region. Today the site is referred to as Hill of Resistance because of the brave resistance exhibited by the Bisesero people against their opponents.
Nyarubuye Memorial Site
This memorial site was recognized as a convent as well as a school in which approximately 20000 people were man-slaughtered and even buried. Several Tutsis were brutally killed as they attempted to escape to Tanzania. The Remains were reserved inside the convent for memorial and in 2003 the school was renovated and presently operating with a number of students.
Nyanza Memorial Site
There was a school in Nyanza called ETO governed by the UN. These UN officials had come to provide security to the Rwandese before the genocide. As soon as the war began, they returned to their country and all the individuals who had come for refuge here were killed since there wasn’t any assistance from UN. Most of the people were actually Tutsis and just a couple of Hutus. Each year on 11th April, a memorial ritual is conducted to commemorate the victims of this cold blood murder.
Ntarama Memorial site
This genocide site is located about 30 kilometers from Kigali in Bugesera. It is an hour drive from the capital Kigali city. Approximately 5000 people were murdered within the church in the war. Several People had gone to seek refuge there since it was the sole safe place to be. Several people were murdered mostly women and children. Since the genocide, this church was not tampered with and today it is a display site.