A heavy machine gun. That’s what first grabs your attention at the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. It sits there a stark reminder of the desperate fight for survival. This isn’t just any museum. This is the Campaign Against Genocide Museum in Kigali. It’s a place where history becomes intensely personal.
This museum commemorates the RPA’s vital role in stopping the 1994 genocide. Nearly a million people died. Over two million were displaced. The building itself a former development council building housed RPA soldiers. They were there from December 1993 until the genocide began on April 7 1994.
The assassination of President Juvenal Habyarimana triggered the mass killings. Tutsis and moderate Hutus were targeted by government forces and the Interahamwe militia. The RPA soldiers inside the museum found themselves surrounded. They were in enemy territory.
President Kagame the RPA’s High Command chairman ordered the 600 soldiers to defend the building. He needed to stop the genocide overthrow the regime and bring peace. They used a 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted on the roof. Major Rwabinumi manned that gun day and night for two weeks. He held off attacks from Camp Kanombe and the Presidential Guard.
The gun kept the enemy at bay from April 7 to April 21 1994. A monument now marks its spot. It’s a tribute to Major Rwabinumi and all the RPA soldiers who risked their lives. The museum shows how the RPA fought against impossible odds. It details the bravery of the 600 soldiers. They saved countless lives.
The Campaign Against Genocide Museum isn’t just a place to learn facts. It’s a place to feel the weight of history. To understand the courage it took to fight for survival. To honor those who risked everything for peace. It is a powerful testament to Rwanda’s resilience. The museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Kigali. It offers a powerful and unforgettable experience. It leaves you with a profound appreciation for the human spirit.