Kigali genocide memorial is a remarkable place of commemoration and learning. It provides a deep insight into the 1994 Rwanda genocide where nearly a million lives were lost. A total of over 250,000 Rwanda genocide victims were laid to rest at the Kigali genocide memorial center. It was officially opened during the 10th anniversary of Rwanda genocide in April 2004.
Location
Kigali genocide center/site is found 10 minutes’ drive from Kigali city center, a short distance making it one of the most accessible sites for Rwanda safari travelers to explore on Kigali city tour. Majority of people visit the site to remember those who lost their lives during then war between Tutsis and Hutus.
The Kigali genocide memorial is managed by AEGIS- the UK Non-Governmental Organization which is devoted to stop genocides from occurring worldwide. At the memorial center, there are various exhibits including the personal belongings of the victims, skulls of survivors, photos of survivors, etc. The site provides emotional experience, but serves best as reconnecting area for the survivors and their loved ones who lost their lives at the time.
At Kigali genocide memorial, there are several education programmes operated right onsite and in the communities. You have insight into what the Kigali genocide and AEGIS Trust does in building a peaceful and prosperous future.
The Kigali genocide memorial has a visitor center for students and other visitors with intentions to exploring or experiencing the events that brought about the 1994 Rwanda genocide. The site also has children’s memorial. It is a significant permanent site for Rwanda genocide victims and acts as an area where the bereaved would bury their friends and family members.
The education centre, memorial gardens & national documentation center of the genocide contributes to a meaningful tribute to victims who lost their lives and creates a powerful educational tool for the future generations.
Brief about The Rwanda Genocide
The 1994 Rwanda genocide began in April and it is notably one of the systematic mass killings in history that took place in Rwanda. Unfortunately, little was done in order to stop it from further occurring. To outsiders, the war was looked at as tribal-based ethnic violence where the Tutsis were victims and Hutus perpetrators. At the end of the genocide, over 800,000 people were estimated to have lost their lives.
Other Rwanda genocide memorial centers
Murambi genocide memorial site
Located right within Murambi Village, Nyamagabe district is a remarkable Murambi genocide memorial. This is found in the Southern Province of Rwanda, about 126kms away from Kigali capital and from Nyamagabe town, about 3.5kms.
The Murambi genocide memorial is comprised of different sections- the reception which has history of the genocide, the cemetery where over 50,000 victims of the 1994 genocide were buried. Besides, there is a former technical school with preserved bodies of the victims and they can be witnessed by visitors on tour here.
Nyamata genocide site
Nyamata genocide site is a burial site where over 45000 victims were laid to rest. This memorial center is set 30kms South of Kigali, Bugesera. During the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, it is believed that majority of the Tutsis converged at this area as it was looked at as a safe area. Churches were considered as safer places unfortunately, it turned to be a death trap at the time where most Tutsis who had locked themselves in the church for safety lost their lives to Hutu militias.
Nyanza genocide memorial
Set on the Kigali’s Ecole Technique Officielle in Kicukiro district, Rwanda, Nyanza memorial center is burial site for 10,000 genocide victims. This usually serves as memorial ground where annual anniversaries are held.
Additional genocide memorial sites to visit in Rwanda include Nyarubuye genocide memorial, Bisesero genocide center (60kms from Kibuye) and Ntarama memorial center.
