French version of Genocide memoir ‘Do Not Accept To Die’ launched

Rwandan author Dimitrie Sissi Mukanyiligira on June 25, launched N’Accepte Pas de Mourir, the French version of her debut memoir, Do Not Accept to Die, originally released in April 2022. Mukanyiligira's decision to translate her book into French stems from her Francophone background and the recognition that many survivors and individuals present before the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda have a greater command of French than English. Moreover, by making the book available in both languages, she aims to ensure its accessibility to a broader audience, considering that French is widely spoken in Rwanda and numerous countries worldwide. The release of the French version of 'Do Not Accept to Die' coincides with Rwanda's ongoing 100 days of commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. N’Accepte Pas de Mourir was initially published online on April 1, and is now available in hard copies at all bookshops in Kigali. Mukanyiligira's memoir has already been launched in several other countries, including Germany, Kenya, Canada, the USA, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda in Kigali and at the University of Rwanda-Huye Campus. The memoir is divided into three parts. The first section delves into Mukanyiligira's life before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, exploring her childhood and experiences growing up in Kibagabaga. It vividly portrays the love she shared with her siblings and family, her journey through primary and secondary school, and the dreams she held as a young woman. However, all these dreams were shattered with the onset of the Genocide. The second part recounts Mukanyiligira's personal experience during the Genocide, describing the atrocities committed and the multiple instances where she narrowly escaped death. It also touches on her encounters with the RPF Inkotanyi forces and provides insights into post-Genocide Rwanda. The third part of the memoir focuses on Mukanyiligira's life as a survivor, as she shares her journey of resilience, love, hope, and joy. She firmly believes that survivors have stories to share and lessons to impart. During the launch of the French version of the memoir which took place at the Mariott Hotel, Mukanyiligira announced her plans to translate the book into Dutch and Hebrew, as well as produce an audio version, to ensure wider accessibility. In addition to her memoir, she introduced the Live On Foundation whose objectives include promoting education through storytelling, providing holistic support to vulnerable Genocide survivors as well as empowering, educating, and advocating for the youth, with a particular focus on girls.

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French version of Genocide memoir ‘Do Not Accept To Die’ launched