We had no country, only a gang of killers -Minister Busingye

The minister made the remarks yesterday during the event to accord decent burial to 15,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi killed at Gatwaro Stadium in former Kibuye Prefecture currently in Western Province.

Kibuye Prefecture was inhabited by a large number of Tutsi specifically in former commune Gitesi, Rwamatamu, Gishyita, Mabanza, Bwakira among others.

During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, killers gathered them together between 7th and 14th April 1994. They were brought at Gatwaro Stadium and cut the supply of drinking water on the orders of former head of Kibuye Prefecture, Clement Kayishema.

Genocide survivors in the area testify that the mayor of commune Mabanza, Ignace Bagirishema took a big role taking Tutsi at the stadium where they had to be killed. The latter was acquitted by Arusha court on 7th June 2001 and currently lives in France.

On 18th April 1994, genocide unfolded as Tutsi brought in Gatwaro stadium on the order of Kayishema were shot dead of who the first victim was Ezechiel Munyakaragwe.

Minister Busingye said, people at the time seemed to have no country.

“We had no country. We only had bandit killers whose plans were dominated by killing people and reporting it. We saw all reports done at the time. They are related to setting road blocks and profiling who to be killed,” he said.

“Tutsi were persecuted at different times until the execution of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. We should dedicate time to always meditate this issue. Rwandans should deeply reflect on hard times during these 25 years. How come people would feel right to kill others? Let’s be strong because it won’t happen again in this country,” promised Busingye.

The President of IBUKA, Prof Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu commended the efforts of displaying a list of all culprits involved in the killing of Tutsi to be seen by all visitors of the memorial.

Ambassador Jacqueline Mukangira, a survivor in the area thanked RPF Inkotanyi soldiers for rescuing them and introduced the Government of unity promoting inclusive development.

Part of 15,000 victims buried at the new genocide memorial are Tutsi who walked a 20 km journey from Rubengera to be killed at Gatwaro Stadium.

Dr Charles Twagira and Claude Muhayimana are among suspects involved in killed Tutsi in the area hiding in France.