Survivors Reflect on the Rwandan Genocide's Legacy

Pascal Kanyemera, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi, recalls the harrowing experience of losing his family and the deal he made with God to survive. As he hid from Hutu militias, who were responsible for the deaths of approximately 800,000 Tutsi, Kanyemera felt a profound sense of divine protection. Now residing in Ottawa, Canada, he shares his story to honor the memory of those who perished and to restore dignity to their legacy. Ruhamyandekwe, another survivor, recounts the trauma of witnessing his father's arrest by military forces during his childhood. He reflects on the pervasive violence that made it easy for Hutu extremists to identify and target Tutsi individuals. Despite the horrors he faced, including the inability to bury his father after his death in the 1990s, Ruhamyandekwe finds solace in writing. He describes his literary work as a therapeutic outlet, where he explores themes of survival and divine intervention, which he refers to as "God's invisible hand." Both Kanyemera and Ruhamyandekwe engage with younger generations, visiting schools to share their experiences. They aim to educate youth about the genocide's impact and the importance of remembering those who suffered. Their testimonies serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss and the ongoing need for reconciliation in Rwanda.