Africa-Press – Rwanda. As the genocide against the Tutsi entered its third week, April 26 marked another horrific chapter in Rwanda’s history as more than 20,000 Tutsi were slaughtered in Tambwe sector, Ruhango district. Other areas across the country were also witnessing killings.
The victims in Tambwe had sought refuge at the communal offices as well as locations like Ruhango Church. After their brutal murders, their bodies were callously disposed of in the nearby papyrus forest and trenches.
In the same district, in Kigoma sector, 475 Tutsi were ruthlessly slain at the sector offices. These victims hailed from various regions including Gahombo, Mukingo, Kiruri, and Ngwa.
Meanwhile, in Huye, a massacre unfolded at the Rwanda Agriculture Research Institute (ISAR Rubona) on April 26, 1994. Many Tutsi who were employed by the institution had sought refuge there but were met with a horrifying onslaught by the Interahamwe militia, aided by law enforcement personnel like the police. The massacre lasted for hours, claiming numerous lives.
Former Butare governor Sylvain Nsabimana visited ISAR Rubona on April 27, 1994, witnessing the aftermath of the killings. On that day, the surviving Tutsi were relocated to Gakera below Mount Rubona. While there, they attempted to build temporary shelters in which to stay, thinking that they would survive. However, they fell victim to further attacks on May 2, 1994.
The exact death toll at ISAR Rubona remains uncertain, but it is estimated that around 70 staff members and their families perished. Many of their remains have yet to be recovered, denying them the dignity of a proper burial.
In Karongi district, Birambo Catholic Parish and surrounding areas witnessed the slaughter of over 6,000 Tutsi on April 26, along with previous attacks.
Fleeing from rampant looting and arson, the Tutsi sought refuge at local government offices, the parish, and nearby schools.
However, on April 26, they faced a coordinated assault by the Interahamwe, local authorities, and security forces, resulting in widespread loss of life.
In Kamonyi, at Mugina Catholic Parish, Tutsi individuals who had resisted the attackers for many days were ultimately overwhelmed and killed on April 26, 1994.
Despite attempts to defend themselves, the force of the assailants proved too much for them.
Mayor Callixte Ndagijimana of Mugina provided support to Tutsi refugees, but his efforts were thwarted by former mayor Onesphore Ngiruwonsanga, who orchestrated a campaign of starvation and violence against them.
The killings escalated on April 26, with the victims facing a barrage of weapons including guns, grenades, machetes, and stones.
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