Ndahimana: the Genocide convict turned reconciliation activist

DOMINIQUE NDAHIMANA is no different from other residents of his village in the rural Simbi Sector of Huye District. The balding moderately tall, dark skinned 45-year-old man lives a humble life. But behind that figure lies an inspirational story. Ndahimana’s tale dates back to April 18, 1994 when the then interim president Theodore Sindikubwabo, visited Simbi in the former Butare prefecture as he embarked on what Ndahimana calls “a mission to launch and encourage the killings of Tutsi” in Butare, a region where residents had seemingly shunned the killings. Sindikubwabo’s visit took him to Butare town and far in Gisagara where he delivered speeches that allegedly condemned those who were not “working”– a euphemism for killing Tutsi – and urged them to “get out of the way and let others work”. His speeches in Simbi, Butare and Gisagara were followed by an outbreak of killings in the area that had hitherto remained calm for almost two weeks into the Genocide. Ndahimana was among those who attended the Sindikubwabo rally at Simbi Catholic Church and subsequently those who took up arms and went on rampage hunting and killing Tutsi in the area. “Sindikubwabo’s speech gave the green light to kill the Tutsi,” Ndahimana says, recalling how ‘armed guards’ who had accompanied the president started shooting indiscriminately at Tutsi who had taken refuge at the church in what he calls “the launch of the killings”. In 1998, Ndahimana was arrested alongside other perpetrators, tried and sentenced to life in jail. After eight years in jail, Ndahimana applied for presidential parole and was among several Genocide convicts released in 2005. Serving the sentence meant that Ndahimana was a ‘free man’ entitled to enjoy the rights of a normal citizen. But his moral instincts denied him the right to freedom, rather pushing him to make amends for his cruel acts. The resident of Nyagasozi village says he then realised the need for him to personally approach survivors, apologise and seek forgiveness for his acts. “I wanted to free my mind,” Ndahimana says. Reconciliation activist After he was forgiven by the very people he was literary hunting in 1994, Ndahimana says he felt “relieved from the burden that weighed over me”. “I thought something needs to be done to cement my relationships with the survivors,” Ndahimana who earns a living from farming says. For a few days, he imagined a world where Genocide survivors and perpetrators work together, living in harmony and working for their common development. So he started by approaching perpetrators and encouraging them to repent and approach survivors to seek forgiveness. He also talked to survivors of his wish to form an association bringing together both groups. “My idea was well received by everyone I approached. Everyone was really excited,” Ndahimana recalls. His efforts culminated into the birth of Duharanire ubumwe n’ubwiyunge, a group that preaches repentance, reconciliation and unity among Rwandans. The group later received support from a local non-governmental organisation working to promote unity and reconciliation. The group, which Ndahimana still heads, has also led efforts to encourage Genocide perpetrators pay reparations for the property they destroyed or looted at the time of the Genocide. And as they achieved unity and reconciliation and as their relations improved, the group members took on another battle: the fight for improved living conditions. Today, Duharanire ubumwe n’ubwiyunge works as an umbrella body for about 11 sub-groups, each comprising between 30 and 80 members, dedicated to transforming the lives of their members. Each sub-group decides which activities to engage in and work together to attain their set objectives. Many of them are particularly engaged in agriculture and the distribution of cows, mattresses and other home utensils among members. Ndahimana says 28 cows, worth about Rwf4.2 million, 33 mattresses, 33 beds, dozens of bed-sheets and soap, among others, have so far been distributed among members. The efforts continue, he says. “We are moving towards a new era and we are optimistic about the future,” he says. “I used my skills and strengths to destroy this country. I want to use the same in rebuilding what I helped destroy,” Ndahimana says, as he stands next to his kraal at his home in Simbi. “I shall never commit the same mistakes I made 20 years ago,” he says.

National

Ndahimana: the Genocide convict turned reconciliation activist