Discovering Ntarama Church: A Heart-Wrenching Journey Through Rwanda’s History
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Rwanda lies Ntarama Church, a site that holds both historical significance and the somber memory of one of humanity’s darkest chapters the Rwandan Genocide. The Church of Ntarama was turned into a genocide memorial on April 14, 1995, honouring the 5,000 victims who perished there. It is one of Rwanda’s six National Genocide Memorial Sites and features human remains, clothing, and personal artifacts of the deceased, all of which are displayed continuously. Visiting Ntarama Church is more than just a tour, it’s a profound experience that offers insight into the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering history.
The Tragic History of Ntarama Church
Ntarama Church, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is one of the most poignant genocide memorial sites in the country. On April 15, 1994, during the height of the Rwandan Genocide, thousands of Tutsis sought refuge within the church’s walls, believing it would be a safe haven. Tragically, it became a place of mass slaughter, where over 5,000 men, women, and children lost their lives in a brutal massacre. The Rwandan Genocide, which lasted from April to July 1994, saw the systematic killing of approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus by extremist Hutu militias. Ntarama Church stands today as a stark reminder of this horrific event and a testament to the resilience of the survivors.
Bugesera was historically less populated than other areas in Rwanda as it was heavily forested with swamp areas that were infested by the tsetse fly. This area became more populated after the violence in 1959-1962 when Tutsis living the northern region of the country were forcibly relocated to the Bugesera region.
Early Violence 1959-1962
The government took up the decision to displace the Tutsi’s internally from places like Ruhengeri, Gisenyi, Gitarama and Gikongoro to Nyamata refugee camp due to the violence outbreak. Nyamata was selected due to its sufficient land and infrastructure. The relocated Tutsi weren’t happy with the environment due to poor living conditions and thus wanted to go back to their homes. During the United Nations General Assembly which was held on 11th and 12th December in 1960, their concerns were raised and thus the refugees were allowed to return home and harvest their crops but the request was ignored
The Tutsi’s were massacred at the refugee camps within the area during the first Republic. The attacks were followed by arrests and killings of Tutsi in Bugesera and later across the country. Following the defeat of Inyenzi a term that was used during that time to describe the Tutsi’s who were re-entering the country, many of the Tutsi’s were killed in Bugesera and so forth. During the period of peace, Tutsis were persecuted and as well referred to in dehumanising terms such as wolves, enemies, colonizers and snakes. Their property was confiscated and relocated to the forest regions, children were denied access to education especially the secondary education. An order was given to expel the Tutsi students from secondary schools.
Second Republic 5th July 1973 – 6th April 1994
After Habyarimana’s 1973 coup, he continued and formalized ethnic discrimination and regionalism that began under earlier leaders. This systemic division intensified as the RPF Inkotanyi began their attacks on October 1, 1990, leading to widespread persecution of Tutsis in Rwanda. The government promoted anti-Tutsi propaganda, even infiltrating religious institutions. For instance, Pastor Uwinkindi at Kayenzi Church urged prayers against the RPF attackers, reinforcing hatred.
In 1992, precursor massacres foreshadowed the 1994 genocide. The MRND’s Interahamwe militia and CDR’s Impuzamugambi attacked Tutsis in Bugesera, with some seeking refuge at Nyamata Church. Italian humanitarian Antoinette “Tonia” Locatelli, who condemned these atrocities and alerted the international community, was murdered by a military officer after being threatened by local authorities.
Habyarimana’s regime repeatedly incited violence against Tutsis in response to RPF attacks, echoing President Kayibanda’s earlier apocalyptic rhetoric regarding reprisals. This pattern of incitement set the stage for the genocide that unfolded in 1994.
Genocide 6th April 1994 – 19th July 1994
The genocide in Rwanda began on April 6, 1994, following President Habyarimana’s death. The violence quickly spread, with Tutsi homes in Ntarama being torched on April 7. By April 9, many Tutsis sought refuge at Ntarama Church, believing it would be safe due to past respect for religious sites. However, on April 13, Interahamwe militia, led by Francois Karera, conducted a census of the refugees and on April 15 launched a brutal attack. Soldiers and militia used guns, grenades, machetes, and other weapons, killing around 5,000 Tutsis with extreme violence, including torture and mutilation. The massacre at Ntarama was among the most horrific of the genocide.
By April 30, the focus shifted to the Nyabarongo River at Akagera, where Tutsis in hiding were hunted down and killed. The genocide in Bugesera concluded on May 14, 1994, when RPF Inkotanyi soldiers arrived in Nyamata, ending the violence in the region.
The Memorial Site Today
Ntarama Church, now a genocide memorial, serves to honor victims and educate visitors about the atrocities. The site exudes a solemn atmosphere, with the remains of victims—skulls, bones, and clothing—displayed respectfully inside the church. The blood-stained walls and shattered windows are left as they were, illustrating the violence. Personal belongings like identity cards, rosaries, and children’s toys add a humanizing touch, emphasizing the tragic scale of the genocide
The Role of Ntarama Church in Rwanda’s Healing Process
Ntarama Church is more than just a memorial; it plays a critical role in Rwanda’s ongoing process of reconciliation and healing. The site serves as a place of reflection, where survivors and visitors alike can contemplate the horrors of the past and the importance of preventing such atrocities in the future.
Rwanda has made remarkable progress in rebuilding itself since the genocide, with a strong focus on unity and reconciliation. The preservation of sites like Ntarama Church is integral to this process, ensuring that the memory of the genocide is kept alive, not as a source of division, but as a powerful reminder of the need for peace and unity.
Visiting Ntarama Church: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning a visit to Ntarama Church, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a respectful and meaningful experience.
Location and Accessibility: Ntarama Church is located about a 45-minute drive from Kigali, making it an easily accessible day trip. The roads leading to the site are well-maintained, and local tour companies often include Ntarama in their genocide memorial tours.
Guided Tours: Upon arrival, visitors are usually welcomed by a knowledgeable guide who will walk you through the history of the site and the events that transpired there. These guides, often survivors or relatives of the victims, provide a deeply personal perspective that enriches the experience.
Respectful Conduct: Given the sensitive nature of the site, it’s important to approach your visit with the utmost respect. Photography is usually allowed, but it’s advised to ask permission before taking pictures, particularly inside the church. Silence and reflection are encouraged, as this is a place of mourning and remembrance.
Emotional Impact: Be prepared for the emotional weight of visiting Ntarama Church. The site is not just a historical landmark but a graveyard and a space for collective memory. It’s common for visitors to feel overwhelmed by the sorrow and the gravity of the events that took place here.
Supporting Local Communities: Visiting Ntarama Church also presents an opportunity to support the local community. Many survivors live in the surrounding areas, and purchasing local crafts or donating to the memorial helps contribute to the ongoing efforts of healing and preservation.
Conclusion
Ntarama Church is more than just a site of tragedy; it is a place of learning, reflection, and healing. As you walk through its hallowed halls, you are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of remembering history. In a world still plagued by violence and division, the lessons of Ntarama Church remain as relevant as ever.
For those seeking to understand Rwanda’s history and the impact of the genocide, a visit to Ntarama Church is an essential and deeply moving experience. As we honor the memories of those who lost their lives, we also commit to a future where such atrocities are never repeated.
LONG UGANDA SAFARIS
7 Days Gorilla Chimps & Big 5 Safari
5-Day Gorilla Trekking Chimp Trek
6 Days Gorilla, Chimps and wildlife
5 Days Murchison falls and Gorilla
6 Days Uganda gorillas & wildlife
6 Days Murchison, Chimps, Gorillas
6 Days Chimpanzees and Wildlife
14 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari
Some of our religious packages
2 Days Uganda Martyrs Trail Namugongo Catholic Shrine Tour
3 Days smallest church itinerary in Uganda
3 Days Journey to Namugongo shrine
Leave a Reply