Minister Bizimana Praises the First Nun to Write a Book on the Genocide Against the Tutsi

The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, praised Sr. Mukabayire Marie Josée for writing a book on the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Dr. Bizimana made these remarks at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi on January 3, 2024, during the launch of the book titled “Lessons from the Genocide against the Tutsi: Resilience and Forgiveness.” The book was authored by Sr. Mukabayire, a missionary working outside Rwanda and a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Dr. Bizimana highlighted that this book represents a new perspective on how Catholic clergy address the Genocide against the Tutsi in writing.

He stated, “Sr. Mukabayire is the first nun to write a book bearing testimony to her experiences during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Previously, we were accustomed to writings by certain members of the clergy that often leaned towards denial. For instance, the first documents denying the Genocide were authored by some clergy members, including 29 Rwandan priests who wrote to the Pope in Goma in August 1994. Other writings that followed continued in a similarly harmful vein, and we still see books and testimonies that downplay the Genocide.”

He added, “It is commendable that some members of the clergy are now writing truthfully about these historical events. This helps in educating about the Genocide and also encourages the Catholic Church to reflect on its history, particularly since many religious institutions and churches were sites of the Genocide.”

Dr. Bizimana emphasized that these accounts serve as a reminder that the Genocide against the Tutsi involved people from all walks of life, and these lessons must continue to be shared to educate society.

Sr. Mukabayire, the book’s author, shared that she was born into a family of 11 children. Her parents and siblings were all killed, along with other extended family members, resulting in the loss of 63 relatives during the Genocide.

She narrated that surviving the Genocide was an arduous journey. Born in Gikongoro in the Southern Province, she survived by fleeing to Gahini in the Eastern Province.

The experience left her deeply scarred, making life difficult before she decided to write the book.

“Waking up one day to realize that all these people are gone is not something you can easily process mentally,” she said. “It’s a long journey—first dying internally, feeling like life is over, and believing there’s no future.”

She revealed that she initially struggled with insomnia, sleeping only three hours a day at times, before being advised to document her experiences. She decided to write the book, believing it could also help others.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *