Rebero was the site of numerous high-level meetings between 1990 and 1994, where plans for the Genocide against the Tutsi were made, according to Anne Marie Nyiracumi, an official guide from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE).
Nyiracumi shared this with a delegation of 80 students and staff from the University of Rwanda, Huye campus, while explaining the historical significance of Rebero Hill and its strategic importance, which later drew the attention of the RPF-Inkotanyi.
Mount Rebero, formerly known as Nyarurama Hill, was a strategic site used by the Armed Forces of Rwanda (FAR) to monitor both Kigali and Bugesera.
“Then-President Habyarimana built his hotel, Rebero l’Horizon, on this hill, alongside a FAR military base,” said Anne Marie Nyiracumi.
“The name ‘Rebero’ became popular among locals, who would say they were going to Rebero, eventually replacing the hill’s original name, Nyarurama,” she added.
The hotel later became a key base for Hutu extremists in planning the Genocide against the Tutsi.
She explained that President Habyarimana held high-level meetings on the hill, including some he personally led between 1990 and 1994, to plan the Genocide against the Tutsi and raise funds for its execution.
Capture of Rebero by RPF-Inkotanyi
“Due to these activities, the RPF-Inkotanyi prioritized the capture of Rebero Hill during its campaign to stop the genocide. The hill became a key battleground against the genocidal forces.” She continued,
On April 11, 1994, the Rwandan Patriotic Army’s 3rd Battalion, known as “The 600,” successfully captured Rebero Hill.
The capture of Rebero Hill, she explained that it was a major blow to the government forces committing the genocide. As it enabled RPF to rescue Tutsis hiding in various Kigali neighborhoods, including Gikondo, Nyamirambo, Nyakabanda, Mumena, Kivugiza, Rwampara, and others.
“The rescued survivors were brought to Rebero Hill, where they were kept safe until the full liberation of Kigali on July 4, 1994.” she added
Rebero as a Symbol of Political Resistance
The first official commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi was held at Rebero on April 7, 1995.
At the site, 14,000 Tutsi victims—killed and dumped in mass graves around Kigali suburbs, including near Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK)—were reburied with dignity.
On the same day, 12 politicians were also laid to rest. These included Tutsi leaders from various political parties and Hutu leaders who opposed the genocide.
Since 2006, the Rebero Genocide Memorial has served as a special place dedicated to preserving the memory of those politicians who were killed for dedication to combating the genocide.
Levy Gasana/ The Kaminuza Star