Rwanda
Terry Riversong 2025
Embedded Files
Muraho,
In 2025 I came to Rwanda to understand how a nation once shattered by hatred became a beacon of humanity. I visited memorials, spoke with survivors and perpetrators about life, death, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and stayed in villages where I formed lasting friendships. I came to learn about a genocide, but discovered a country rooted in beauty, unity, and kindness.
Below are links offering brief explanations of the genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s restorative justice system. Photos were not allowed inside memorials.
Thank you, Rwanda, for your loving welcome. You are my brothers and sisters.
Rwanda
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Kigali
VIST
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The Kigali Genocide Memorial honors victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, preserving memory, promoting education, and fostering reflection and peace.
Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial
A church and convent where thousands of Tutsi were massacred in 1994 after seeking refuge from genocidal attacks.
Nyamata Genocide Memorial
Nyamata church where thousands of Tutsi were massacred in 1994 after seeking refuge from genocidal attacks.
Ntarama Genocide Memorial
Ntarama church is where thousands of Tutsi were massacred in 1994 after seeking refuge from genocidal attacks.
Nyanza Genocide Memorial
Nyanza Memorial marks where thousands of Tutsi were massacred after being abandoned by UN troops.
Rebero Genocide Memorial
Rebero Memorial honors politicians, intellectuals, and community leaders targeted and killed during the genocide against the Tutsi.
Mbyo Reconciliation Village
Mbyo Reconciliation Village is a community where genocide survivors and former perpetrators live side by side, practicing forgiveness, rebuilding trust, and modeling long-term reconciliation in Rwanda.
Belgian Peacekeepres Memorial
The Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial honors the ten Belgian UN soldiers killed protecting Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana at the genocide’s start, symbolizing sacrifice and courage.
Campaign Against Genocide
The Campaign Against Genocide refers to the RPF’s military effort during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi to stop the killings, rescue civilians, and restore security across Rwanda.
Azizi Homestay
Azizi Life Homestay offers immersive village stays in Rwanda, where visitors live with local families, join daily activities, learn traditional crafts, and experience authentic rural community life.
Nyange Genocide Memorial
A church where thousands of Tutsi were massacred in 1994 after seeking refuge from genocidal attacks.
Rwiza Village
Rwiza Village is a serene lakeside retreat in western Rwanda, perched on the hills above lake Kivu.
Bisesero Genocide Memorial
Bisesero Memorial: Commemorates around 40,000 Tutsi who resisted on Muyira Hill during the 1994 genocide—famed for their prolonged, courageous resistance before being overwhelmed.
Boatride to Gisenyi
Gisenyi
INZU Lodge, a eco‑friendly lodge perched on the hills above Lake Kivu in Gisenyi (Rubavu), offering safari tents, cabins, and camp‑site accommodation for a sustainable stay.
Ruhondo Lake
Special Thanks To:
Freddy Mutanguha Chief Executive of Aegis Trust, Divine Mutuyimana of Nyarubuye Memorial, JD of Nyanza Memorial, Florence Kabanyana of Mybo Reconciliation Village, Angelique Nyiraneza and Bona Masengesho of Azizi Life, Emmy Musinguzi of Bisesero Memorial, Deogratias Sugira of Nyange Memorial, Evode Ngombwa of Ntarama Memorial, John Shyaka of Campaign Against Genocide, Andrew of Kiva Tours, Augustine of Panorama Tours, the Mwegerera Island Singers, the wonderful staff at my stays, my drivers, all the boda boda drivers, and to all the amazing people of Rwanda who welcomed me with loving kindness. I am forever grateful...
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