Khalid Tawalbeh
Kigali
The Campaign Against Genocide Museum in Rwanda stands as a significant tribute to the resilience of the Rwandan people during one of the darkest periods in the country’s history.
Located at the Parliamentary Buildings in Kigali, this museum narrates the heroic efforts of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) in stopping the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Medard Bashana, the museum’s manager, spoke to Qatar Tribune about the powerful message behind the museum’s monuments and their role in preserving this pivotal chapter in Rwanda’s history.
According to Bashana, the choice of the parliamentary building as the site for the Campaign Against Genocide Museum was not random. "The building, known during the Liberation Struggle as the Centre Nationale de Développement (CND), housed 600 RPA soldiers in 1993 and 1994,” he explained.
These soldiers were stationed there to protect RPF-Inkotanyi politicians involved in negotiations to form a Broad-Based Transitional Government. When the genocide broke out in April 1994, the soldiers, under the command of General Paul Kagame, played a decisive role in halting the massacres.
"The RPA soldiers dug trenches around the building, creating defensive positions as they prepared for one of the most critical battles in Rwanda’s history,” Bashana noted. "Their heroic efforts not only saved thousands of lives but also ensured that the genocide was ultimately brought to an end.”
The Campaign Against Genocide Museum is not just a collection of photographs and documents. At its heart are four key monuments that, according to Bushana, convey powerful messages about the liberation struggle and the fight to stop the genocide. "Each monument here has a story, a message that speaks not just to Rwandans, but to anyone who visits,” he said.
One of the key exhibits is the preserved ‘Third Battalion Sick Bay’, a room that was once used as a field hospital during the liberation struggle. "This room treated both wounded RPA soldiers and civilians rescued from the genocide,” Bashana revealed. "It serves as a reminder of the selflessness of the soldiers who, even amidst the chaos, provided care to the injured and vulnerable.”
Another monument, the 12.7mm support weapon, holds significant symbolic value. Positioned to represent the fierce battle that took place on April 7, 1994, the monument honors Major David Rwabinumi, an RPA soldier who is immortalized wielding this weapon. "This gun played a crucial role in repelling attacks from genocidal forces stationed at Camp Kanombe and the notorious Presidential Guards,” Bashana explained. "The monument is a tribute not just to Major Rwabinumi, but to all RPA soldiers who risked their lives during that battle.”
Perhaps the most iconic monument in the museum is one that encapsulates the entire campaign to stop the genocide. "This monument is the centrepiece of the museum,” Bashana emphasized. "It tells the story of the 600 RPA soldiers who were tasked with four major objectives: reuniting with forces in the north, destroying enemy bases, rescuing civilians, and ultimately defeating the genocidal government.”
The monument depicts a soldier holding a baby in one hand and binoculars in the other. "The soldier represents the commander, who was not only focused on the battle but also thinking about the future of the country,” Bashana explained. "The baby symbolizes Rwanda’s future, and the binoculars reflect the commander’s foresight, his vision for peace and a new beginning after the genocide.”
Around this central figure are soldiers advancing in different directions, symbolizing the various fronts of the liberation campaign. One soldier heads towards Kigali, another towards the northern and southern provinces. "These soldiers represent the different directions the RPA took as they fought to stop the genocide, liberate Kigali, and bring peace to the entire country,” Bushana added.
Another poignant aspect of the monument is the depiction of a soldier kneeling beside the body of a dead woman. "This part of the monument symbolizes the loss that Rwanda endured,” Bashana said, his voice heavy with emotion. "It reminds us that despite the bravery and sacrifices of the RPA soldiers, we were not able to save everyone. Over a million Tutsi were killed during the genocide, and this monument honors their memory.”
The monument also conveys a broader message about the value of human life. "The soldier’s bowing posture shows respect and mourning, even in the heat of battle,” Bashana reflected. "It is a reminder that, for the RPA, this was not just a military campaign—it was a fight to protect the dignity of every Rwandan life.”
Another monument in the museum, set in what is known as "Heroes Garden”, depicts a soldier on one knee, paying tribute to fallen comrades. "This space is a place for reflection,” Bashana explained. "Visitors can sit, take in the history, and honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Campaign Against the Genocide.”
Looking forward, Bashana revealed that the Rwandan government is planning to expand the museum’s reach by building additional monuments along the country’s liberation trail. "We want to trace the entire journey of the RPA forces, from Kagitumba, through Gicumbi, Burera, Rulindo, Gasabo, all the way to Kigali,” he said. "These monuments will ensure that future generations understand the full scope of the liberation struggle and the incredible sacrifices made to stop the genocide.”
As the interview came to an end, Bashana reiterated the importance of preserving Rwanda’s history. "The Campaign Against Genocide Museum is not just about remembering the past; it is about learning from it,” he said. "Through these monuments, we are teaching the world about the courage, resilience, and humanity of the RPA soldiers, and ensuring that the lessons of the genocide are never forgotten.”
For visitors, the museum stands as a powerful testament to the triumph of hope over hatred, and the enduring spirit of the Rwandan people.