Visit Murambi Genocide Memorial – A Powerful Reminder Of Rwanda’s History

Visit Murambi Genocide Memorial

Murambi Genocide Memorial is one of the most uncomfortable sites of the most tragedy Of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, it is said that refugees flooded the area of the half way built technical college after being told that they would be safe only for the army to murder people in shifts depending on who was on duty, between 20,000 to 40,000 people were murdered in this area. At the site, hundreds of human bodies have been exhumed and preserved in lime powder to still look the same over time. These are now on display in 24 classrooms lying on wooden salt tables.

The memorial site acts as an education center preserving the memory of what happened during the 1994 genocide, as well as a reminder to the people of Rwanda about the possible consequences of these actions when hatred and rage are left to take over emotions. The bodies lying in Murambi are a true witness of the genocide against Tutsi; it is an honest museum explaining what happened during the genocide. It is said that the buildings were used as dormitories of French troops from where they committed gang rapes, young girls and women suffered under the mercy of these military people as they were collected every night and ganged up by about 10 men.

In 1994 Murambi was a technical school under construction, the machines that were used at the time are still available on site, in the mass graves lies an estimated number of 50,000 bodies of the Tutsi who were savagely killed on the night of 20 to 21 April 1994,upion which the military passed to fetch their golf balls, before their death it is said that they were starved by cutting off the water supply and deprived from food stuffs. Some of the children were found sucking off their death mothers’ breasts and were thrown into the grave alive. The memorial genocide is divided into various sections, including the mass graves where over 50,000 victims were laid to rest. Others are placed in the classrooms and are well preserved, and a section of trenches was where the bodies of victims were thrown after they were killed.

The Murambi Genocide memorial was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in April 2024. The purpose of enhancing the site is to keep traces so that people can keep visiting the powerful site; this act put Murambi on the world map and can never be forgotten. While on the site, an experienced guide will take you around the different areas, some of which have a story to tell, some were directly impacted by the genocide, and lost their relatives in the same place. It is a touching and yet worthwhile visit while on your trip to Rwanda.

Visiting Murambi memorial genocide offers a deep moving emotional and sombre experience, it gives the exact history of the events that happened through exhibitions, photographs, survivors testimonies hence helping people to understand what transpired, the preserved bodies act as a reminder of what a genocide can cost society, it is important to prepare your self emotionally due to the sensitive nature of the memorial site.

Besides the Murambi genocide Memorial, there are other memorial sites, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Nyamata memorial genocide in Bugesera district, and the Bisesero genocide in Karongi district. These have been made into education centers and a tool of peace, respect, and empathy to the communities.

Muramnbi is a town in Nyamagabe district, where on the site, there are names of victims displayed in pyramids, pictures of the families that were killed, tools used to murder, remains of clothes, and a wall of fame for survivors of the war. The village is located approximately 3 hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.

Visits to the Murambi genocide memorial can be combined with your Rwanda safari, to the Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking, Mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, or wildlife in the Akagera National Park.

What to pack for your trip includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, walking shoes, sandals, t-shirts, hand gloves, insect repellents, sunscreen, malaria huts, and any other important items of a personal nature. There is available accommodation for travellers ranging from the best budget to luxury, and it is possible to commute from Kigali to the Murambi genocide memorial.