Rwanda Genocide Survivor Recalls Father's Death at Ndera Seminary

A survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi recounted his father's final days at Petit Séminaire St Vincent Ndera during a commemoration marking 32 years since the killings. Elvis Nkundanyirazo said he and his father had sought refuge at the seminary, where thousands gathered.

He described learning that his father died believing the rest of the family had already been killed. "What we cannot help thinking how our father died thinking that the rest of his family had been killed, as he was told by the person who was with him in his last days," Nkundanyirazo said.

Tutsi were shot at the seminary grounds and their bodies were later burned, according to statements at the event. Representatives also highlighted individuals who risked their lives to save others during the killings. They urged students to study history and reject any ideology that could divide Rwandans.

Gakwenzire, the President of Ibuka, said some individuals continue to spread messages that distort the events of the Genocide. He cited a book published last year by a former priest that he described as containing harmful content. Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, who represented Cardinal Antoine Kambanda at the commemoration, warned students about misleading information spread through technology.

He called on them to exercise critical thinking when selecting information. Representatives of student alumni paid tribute to former colleagues killed during the Genocide and described them as role models for younger generations.