Surviving Genocide: Stories of Faith, Memory, and Resilience

Pascal Kanyemera and Frida Umuhoza recount their survival of the Rwandan genocide, marked by faith, loss, and the brutality of Hutu extremists. Both found solace in their religion, using their experiences to promote remembrance and prevent future genocides. They stress that reconciliation and awareness are essential for healing.

Thirty years after narrowly escaping death during the Rwandan genocide, Pascal Kanyemera reflects on a pact he made with God. 'If I survive one more week, I will give you 100 Rwandan francs,' the then-16-year-old promised as he hid from the killers who took his father and siblings.

His story, along with that of Frida Umuhoza, underscores the pivotal role of faith in their survival. Umuhoza, who later became a Christian, describes witnessing unfathomable horrors, including the brutal murder of her mother. Her book, 'Chosen to Die: Destined to Live', delves into her journey from despair to forgiveness.

Now leaders in promoting remembrance, Kanyemera and Umuhoza aim to educate future generations on the atrocity, hoping that awareness will stave off such violence. 'If reconciliation has to happen, we have to remember,' Kanyemera emphasizes, echoing the sentiment of others who believe that memory is a powerful tool against repeating history.