Telling Our Stories

Resistance Fighters

Resistance Fighters

All around Rwanda there were people who tried to defend themselves; most notably at Bisesero, where tens of thousands took to the mountains. There they fought back with sticks, stones, arrows and spears against guns and artillery.

Fewer than a thousand of those who resisted at Bisesero survived, among them the men pictured here. “We had only one choice – to die fighting or give up. We chose to fight back,” says Innocent Gisanura (top row, fourth from left), who lost his father, uncle and older brother at Bisesero.

The Rescuer

The Rescuer

When it seemed as if all sense of humanity was lost, some Rwandans courageously showed compassion for others in the knowledge that doing so would put their lives at risk too. Odette had been advised to seek shelter with Sifa.

When she finally reached Sifa’s house, Sifa initially told her that so many people had sought refuge with her, she couldn’t find room for any more. Odette turned away weeping, but Sifa called her back. “Come into my house,” she said, “or your tears will condemn me forever.” Odette is now married and has a young daughter.

 

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