When Laurence Mujawayezu arrived at Mutobo Demobilisation Heart from the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, she believed she had come house to die.
For years, she had been informed that Rwanda was a spot the place Hutu and Tutsi may by no means coexist, and that returning meant sure demise. As a substitute, she discovered acceptance, counselling, and an opportunity to rebuild her life.
At present, the previous FDLR combatant is a pastor, mom of 5, and former village chief who urges these nonetheless dwelling within the jungles of jap Congo to return house.
Mujawayezu shared her testimony on June 12 throughout a dialogue on the historical past of the 1994 Genocide towards the Tutsi and Rwanda's journey towards unity and resilience, held at Mutobo Demobilisation Centre in Musanze District.
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Born in 1984 in Muhororo Sector, Ngororero District, Mujawayezu recollects experiencing discrimination from an early age.
“Once I was in Main three, our academics separated Hutu and Tutsi pupils in school,” she mentioned. “Tutsi kids had been handled in a different way. Typically, once they tried to reply questions, academics would dismiss them, saying they need to not waste the trainer's time.”
Through the 1994 Genocide towards the Tutsi, she witnessed violence in her group.
“Our neighbours had been Tutsi,” she recounted. “I noticed their properties being destroyed, individuals being chased away and killed. Their cows had been slaughtered and brought.”
One of many reminiscences that continues to be in her thoughts concerned her uncle’s spouse, who was Tutsi, and their kids.
“They sought refuge at my grandfather's house, however they had been discovered. They had been killed,” she mentioned.
Years later, one other tragedy would change the course of her personal life.
In 1997, remnants of genocidal forces often known as Abacengezi attacked components of Rwanda. On the time, Mujawayezu was 13 years outdated.
“They looted properties and compelled individuals to hold the stolen items,” she recalled. “They gathered us on a hill known as Gikangu. There have been many individuals there.”
The attackers accused civilians of collaborating with the Rwanda Patriotic Military, referring to them utilizing the derogatory time period “Inyenzi” translated as cockroaches.
Younger women and girls had been separated from others.
“The older women had been taken right into a home,” she mentioned. “We may hear them screaming and pleading to not be violated.”
Quickly, she and the opposite women additionally turned victims.
“We had been informed we’d develop into their wives and would by no means return to our households,” she mentioned.
Because the armed group moved by totally different areas, together with Mukura Forest, Gishwati, and Kanama, Mujawayezu and different captives endured continued abuse whereas additionally being subjected to army coaching. Later, they crossed into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We continued receiving army coaching whereas enduring abuse,” she mentioned.
Again in Rwanda, she was captive of a senior FDLR combatant often known as Hakim.
“I used to be given treatment to stop being pregnant,” she recalled.
The connection, marked by strain and lack of alternative, continued for years. In 2003, after the treatment stopped, she turned pregnant.
Shortly afterwards, Hakim knowledgeable her that he had been summoned by Common Paul Rwarakabije, who would later return to Rwanda as a part of a demobilisation programme.
“He left with some guards and by no means got here again. When the guards returned, they had been offended and threatened me,” she mentioned. “They looted my house.”
Fearing for her life, Mujawayezu sought refuge with a Congolese neighbour.
“I requested to be taken again to Rwanda,” she mentioned. “At the least, if I had been to die, I wished to die in my very own nation.”
As a substitute, Rwanda supplied her a brand new starting.
“I arrived at Mutobo believing I’d be killed,” she mentioned. “Within the FDLR, we had been taught that Hutu and Tutsi may by no means stay collectively.”
However what she witnessed challenged every part she had been informed.
“Once I received right here, I noticed individuals dwelling collectively peacefully. I requested myself how that was attainable.”
Whereas at Mutobo, she acquired counselling and psychosocial help. She later gave delivery to a son, who’s now pursuing greater schooling with authorities help.
After finishing the demobilisation programme, Mujawayezu returned to her group.
“My household welcomed me again,” she mentioned. “The native authorities supported me.”
Group members later elected her to function village chief, a place she held twice.
At one level, an RDF soldier expressed curiosity in marrying her.
“I used to be afraid,” she mentioned. “I believed perhaps this was how I’d be killed.”
In search of recommendation, she turned to individuals she trusted at Mutobo, together with then-centre chief Captain Musonera.
“He informed me that in Rwanda, individuals marry these they love and that I shouldn’t be ashamed of myself.”
She accepted the proposal.
“At present, we’ve got 4 kids collectively,” she mentioned.
Alongside group service, Mujawayezu pursued theological research and ultimately turned a pastor within the Affiliation des Églises Baptistes au Rwanda (AEBR).
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the alternatives she acquired after returning house.
Her message to these nonetheless hiding within the forests of the DR Congo.
“What we had been taught was a lie,” she mentioned. “Rwanda is protected. I urge them to return again and rebuild their lives.”
