Muhanga District played a central role in the events that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, according to Mayor Kayitare Jacqueline.
Speaking in an interview with Radio Salus, Mayor Kayitare noted that Muhanga, which was once the capital of the former Gitarama Prefecture, was an early stronghold of genocide ideology.
She highlighted that key figures who promoted ethnic hatred, such as Dominique Mbonyumutwa, came from the area.
She explained that the PARMEHUTU political party, which institutionalized ethnic divisions and laid the foundation for the genocide, was founded in Muhanga and operated there. “The killings of Tutsi began here in 1959, before Rwanda gained independence,” she said.
Mayor Kayitare also recalled that during the 1994 genocide, the interim government led by Théodore Sindikubwabo operated from the Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management (RIAM) in Muhanga, using the location to coordinate and incite mass killings.
More than 250,000 Tutsi were killed in Muhanga during the genocide.
While acknowledging the progress Rwanda has made since 1994, Mayor Kayitare said reconciliation remains incomplete. “Some perpetrators still refuse to reveal where they hid victims’ bodies, making it difficult for families to find closure. We ask anyone with information to speak up,” she said.
She commended national efforts to rebuild unity, citing key initiatives such as the removal of ethnic identity from ID cards and poverty reduction measures that have strengthened social cohesion.
To support survivors, the government created programs like AVEGA-Agahozo and FARG. These helped survivors get an education and improve their daily lives.
The mayor warned that genocide ideology is very dangerous. “It’s like poison in our society. We are happy that there are no signs of this in Muhanga now. The laws against genocide ideology help keep our country safe,” she said.
She concluded by emphasizing that Muhanga is moving forward, but more work is needed to achieve full peace and unity.
By Pichou Byiringiro/The Kaminuza Star