Africa-Press – Rwanda. April 11, 1994 marked the fifth day of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and it was a tragic one for residents of Kicukiro in Kigali. On that day, Belgian peacekeepers pulled out of École Technique Officielle (ETO), where around 2,000 Tutsi had gathered in search of protection. Their departure left them defenceless in the face of genocidal attackers.
The school, run at the time by the Salesian Fathers, had long been seen as a place of safety. Since 1963, Tutsi fleeing earlier waves of violence had sought shelter there and managed to survive repeated persecutions. In 1994, many returned with the same hope, but this time, that refuge failed them.
From April 8, 1994, the second day of the Genocide, many Tutsi made their way to the school. While at the school, they endured an onslaught of gunshots and arrows, thrown their way by the killers from a distance, but worse was coming on April 11, the day on which the attacks climaxed.
On April 11, the Belgian troops stationed at the UNAMIR post within the school’s compound withdrew, leaving the Tutsi behind. Taking advantage of the situation, the killers, who included ex-Rwanda Armed Forces (ex-FAR) soldiers and Interahamwe militia, entered the school grounds.
Their first move was to force the refugees to march from ETO to Nyanza, Kicukiro. Along the way, many were murdered as the group moved under the force of the genocidaires. Those who survived the journey were executed upon arrival in Nyanza by the use of weapons like grenades.
Elsewhere in the country, killings continued, for example in Byumba Diocese, Kiziguro Catholic Parish (current Gicumbi district) was attacked in a lengthy assault that lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The attacks were carried out by Interahamwe, mobilised by former mayor Jean-Baptiste Gatete and local businessman Augustin Nkundabazungu.
The victims were buried in mass graves near the parish primary school.
In Cyangugu (now Rusizi District), more atrocities unfolded at Shagasha ADEPR church, where many Tutsi, mainly women and children, had taken refuge. One of the most horrific attacks took place at Hanika Parish in Cyangugu where about 15,000 Tutsi were killed.
For More News And Analysis About Rwanda Follow Africa-Press
