Authorities and survivors on April 11 marked the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Gashora Sector, where 52 newly discovered victims were given a dignified burial.
Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi said the continued recovery and burial of remains decades later underscores the scale of the genocide and the consequences of delayed information about victims’ whereabouts.
Mayor Richard Mutabazi
“Continuing to bury victims 32 years later shows the brutality of what happened, the loss the country suffered, and the impact of withholding information,” he said, adding that such efforts should strengthen education, especially among young people.
Member of Parliament Speciose Mukandanga, who attended the ceremony, said the event restored dignity to victims who had long been denied proper burial.
“For 32 years, they were deprived of that dignity. Today we honor them and reaffirm the value of every life,” she said.
Survivors said the burials offer comfort and contribute to healing. Nkurunziza Pierre Damien from Rilima Sector expressed gratitude for finally laying victims to rest, while Niyonagira Laurence said discovering and burying loved ones after decades brings emotional relief.
The former Gashora Commune now comprises Gashora, Rweru, Rilima and Juru sectors. The Gashora Genocide Memorial holds the remains of 5,281 victims following the latest burials.
