Deuil Nationale

Le 13 avril From the first full day of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and for one full week, the country has a national mourning period. In French, it’s the Deuil Nationale (which translates roughly to a Week of Mourning), and the whole vibe of Rwanda changes. I’m sure that in previous years the outward displays of grief were much more present, and there have been instances of riots and various violent acts, but from what I’ve seen, the Rwandan people commemorated this 17th anniversary Deuil Nationale with composure.


Just as one observes any significant death in nations around the world, the flags were at half-staff – for seven full days. On the first and last day of the week, there is no school and no one goes to work. The church that is usually hopping and might be confused at times for a dance party does not play songs that involve clapping during this period (which really limits the repertoire). Around the country, groups of people gathered together to listen to people give witness of their experiences of the ’94 Genocide. On the television, these gatherings are broadcast – as well as singing, prayer, and other memorial tributes. Many wear purple wrist kerchiefs or scarves in order to show their participation of this commemoration.

It’s a strange situation, being in a country where so many around you have lost their loved ones in such a cold-hearted way. I had questions, but mostly asked those in my house for fear of asking too much. Friends were somewhat somber but mostly kept to themselves about how they were feeling. I did my best to be there, silently supporting if it was needed. Mostly, I didn’t know quite what to say for fear of saying the wrong thing or didn’t know just how to act. After all, my loved ones who have lost their loved ones have been dealing with this grief for seventeen years – how much can I really do now? The best I can do is to love them on a daily basis and pray that they can find healing.

One resounding theme that I heard from many that I’d asked in my community (and some outside) was that the country needs to find true forgiveness. From the surface, it seems as though the country has moved on and all is fine and dandy, but there is still much more healing that has to take place. Seemingly simple things like recounting the country’s history to the next generation needs to be strictly factual and unbiased, for rekindling and passing on the distrust will not aid in Rwanda’s continued growth.

We must all pray for those who have lived through the Genocide – that they may heal and that they may forgive.