Nyamata Genocide Memorial Centre
Nyamata genocide memorial center was formerly a church with a sad history dating back to the 1994 Rwanda genocide. It was the center of torture for women during the genocide. This center is about 30 kilometers south of Kigali in Bugesera district. It is among the 6 sites of the genocide sites in Rwanda. The Nyamata genocide memorial center was originally located in the Nyamata parish. In 1994 when the genocide sparked off, most of the Rwandese gathered in the church as a hiding place. They hid in this church to seek short-lived protection.
On 10th April 1994, over 1000 lives of people were taken away from the church by the Hutu rebels and were killed within the church compound. Those who managed to survive narrated the situation and how it went on. The cause of this genocide was due to the misunderstandings between the Hutu and Tusi. These misunderstandings led to the genocide due to the death of President Juvenal Habyarimana who belonged to the Hutu community. His death was due to the plane crash which shot down on April 6th, 1994.
While in this church, there is a big portrayal of agony with several graphics portraying the brutality, and mass rape of women during the genocide. Nyamata genocide memorial center is a burial ground for over 50,000 people who lost their lives. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers usually encounter the Nyamata genocide memorial center during the city tour in Kigali.
Inside the church
While in this church, several things are seen that relate to what happened to the genocide.
Exhibitions
While on the visit to this genocide center, there are several histories and contexts about the genocide and what happened during that time. There are several photos, art pieces, and documents. These indicate the lives of the people lost during the genocide and how most of the people were killed.
Testimonials
Testimonials are the facts from the survivors of the genocide. These people offer first-hand information about what happened during the genocide and how their fellows were killed. This is first-hand information about the sad moments of the Nyamata church during the genocide.
Remains of the lost lives
On the site, there are several remains of the people who were killed during the genocide. The remains include identity cards, clothing, human skulls, bones, and many others. These remains indicate how several lives were lost during the genocide. While in this area, there are several mass graves of the lives of the people who were killed during the genocide. The other remains are seen in the basement of the church.
Are there any restrictions or guidelines for visiting the Nyamata genocide memorial center?
While planning to visit the Nyamata genocide memorial center, there are several guidelines that travelers are supposed to follow and they include;
- Descent dressing is recommended among travelers to visit the site
- Travelers are also recommended to remove their shoes before entering the church
- Respect the area since most of the people are victims of the genocide
- No making Noise while in the church
- Follow the restrictions put by the local guides during the tour around the church
- No touching of the art facts, remains in the area
Nyamata genocide memorial center is a somber and emotional experience with the tragic events of the Rwanda genocide in 1994. Travelers are often feeling empathy, sadness, shock, and many others. This center was desacralized by the roman catholic on 11th April 1997 as a genocide memorial site in Rwanda.
How to access the Nyamata genocide center?
Nyamata genocide center is mainly accessed by road in the south of Kigali city. The drive to the Centre is about 45 minutes from the Kigali International Airport covering a distance of about 30 kilometers. This site is open from Monday to Sunday with operation hours of 0800 hours to 1700 hours and during the public holidays in Rwanda, it is usually closed.
How much does it cost to visit the genocide center?
While planning to visit the Nyamata genocide memorial center, the entrance to the area is free and travelers are supposed to at least make donations to the place.
What are other genocide sites in Rwanda?
While in Rwanda, there are over 6 genocide sites that travelers on their Rwanda safaris can encounter and they include;
Kigali memorial genocide center
This center was started in 2004 in Gisozi and it is a final resting place for over 25000 victims of the genocide which was against the Tutsi. While in the Kigali genocide center, the walls of the area have different names of the people who lost their lives. Most of the facts about the genocide were gathered and documented and many of the other victims are not known. The area also supports most of the survivors of the genocide.
Nyanza genocide center
Nyanza genocide center is located in the Kicukiro a suburb in the southeast of the city. It is also located in the Kigali ecole technical office. This is where the anniversary commemoration of the lives of the people who died during the genocide is always done in April every year. It also holds the graves of more than 10000 Tutsi victims who were abandoned by the UN peacekeeping force. The army of the UN left the Tutsi in the hands of the Massacres by not airlifting them to the peaceful areas.
Murambi genocide memorial Centre
The area has over 50000 graves of the victims of the genocide and has over 34 people who survived the genocide in the area. The Murambi genocide started on the 21st of April 1995. It is located in the south of Rwanda. During the genocide, the mayor of the area and the bishop of the local church informed the Tutsi to transfer to the Murambi Technical School for protection from the French troops. When the troops left, the Hutu Interahamwe military men attacked the area and killed over 50,000 Tutsi. Currently, the area is considered to be a Tutsi sanctuary.
