The Righteous of Rwanda
The Righteous of Rwanda and Their Universal Value
Between April 7 and July 17, 1994, the extremist Hutu regime orchestrated the systematic slaughter of over one million people from the Tutsi ethnic minority and moderate Hutu. Their only “fault” was their ethnicity or their perceived sympathy for the Tutsi. This genocide unfolded at an unimaginable pace, with one life taken every ten seconds, while the international community stood by in indifference.
Amidst this horror, many carried out the regime’s orders, committing acts of murder, rape, and torture. Yet, in defiance of the prevailing tide of hatred, a few courageous individuals chose a different path. These brave souls risked their lives to save others, rejecting the logic of genocide and standing as beacons of humanity in a time of unimaginable darkness.
The Ishami Foundation seeks to honour these individuals—the Righteous of Rwanda—today and every day. Their actions serve as moral exemplars, reminding us that even in the most extreme circumstances, it is possible to resist evil and make a stand for humanity.
The term “Righteous” carries a universal meaning. Originating from the Holocaust, it has since been embraced by other societies to describe those who, amidst widespread indifference and complicity, chose responsibility over inaction. These individuals demonstrated that evil is not inevitable and that the power of choice remains even in the darkest times.
In Rwanda, the Righteous could not halt the genocide or prevent the tragic loss of over a million lives. Yet, their courage and humanity shine brightly as a source of pride and inspiration. They represent the future of Rwanda, teaching new generations the vital importance of coexistence and the sacred value of every human life.
To remember a Righteous woman or man is not merely an act of gratitude—it is a powerful tool against forgetting. By honouring their memory, we also confront the legacy of those who plunged Rwanda and humanity into a tragic abyss, a horror compounded by the indifference of the world.
The Righteous of Rwanda remind us that even in the face of evil, there is always a choice. Their legacy must guide us toward a future rooted in compassion, courage, and the unwavering belief in the dignity of all human beings.
Selected Righteous of Rwanda
Rwanda holds Damas Gisimba in high honour for saving over 400 people in an orphanage under his management in Nyamirambo – Kigali in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 80 out of the rescued were adults and 325 were children. When the mass killings began 27 years ago, brothers Elvis, Jean Francois and Damas Gisimba were running the orphanage which was founded by their late parents. Damas, in particular, is today regarded as a hero after he stood in the way of the militias who arrived at the orphanage, intent on killing over 400 children and adults who had taken refuge at the center. Damas was later awarded the Presidential Order of Umurinzi — meaning protector — in recognition of his heroic actions. Although many Rwandans consider him a hero, Damas, says that his deed was motivated by compassion and nobility of spirit.
Rutazihara helped many non-identified people in his home town of Kamembe in the western of Rwanda, and guarded them with his own gun and paid money to the killers to ransom them. He did so out of rejection of Genocide ideology.
Nsengiyumva Ferdinand from Kamembe in former Cyangugu prefecture (current Rusizi) in the western of Rwanda hid 40 people. He informed them on the killers’ plans and helped them escape. He did so out of friendship.
Ndamage Ezéchiel from Ruhango in the southern province of Rwanda hid 105 people. Afterwards he helped them escape and paid money to ransom them. He even mobilised other people to do like him. He said that he acted out of compassion
Father Stany Rubanie from Ruhango in the southern province of Rwanda is believed to have rescued around 450 people. He hid them in the ceilings of his Ruhango parish premises. He gave money to the killers to ransom them. He said that he did it out of faith and compassion.
Ndoricimpa Marcel a very ardent in his Adventist Church Burundian man from Ruhango in the southern province of Rwanda hid Gatabazi Seleman, Kagabo, Mukabagire Consolée and her younger sister and many other non-identified persons. He acted out of faith.
Borice Eros an Italian Rogationist priest, from Busasamana in the town of Nyanza in the southern province rescued over 1000 people. He hid them in the orphanage that he was in charge of in Nyanza. He faced a lot of difficulties. He was harassed by Interahamwe killers and he had to pay huge amounts of money out of the funds meant to feed the orphans. He had also to feed all this mass of refugees. He raised his country flag, Italy, in front of the orphanage for protection. He was seriously traumatized after Genocide. He contributed a lot of testimonies to Gacaca Courts.
Ndwaniye Ladislas from Ndora in Gisagara district in the southern province hid Hakuzimana and Nyiramisago. But he also hid other non-identified persons. Yet, many people in his family were killers. He also kept money deposited by Tutsi fugitives and gave it back after Genocide. He acted out of compassion.
Masabo Alexis from Mugombwa area in Gisagara district in the southern province hid Mukansanga and Assumpta. But killers surprised and wounded them, leaving them for dead. Masabo retrieved them from the mass grave they had been thrown into and came back with them. He was able to rescue them. He acted out of compassion.
Mukaruhama Mathilde from Karama in Huye district southern province rescued Mushimiyimana Rose. She found her in a place she had been left by her mother’s killers. Because her husband was a killer, she went back to her parents’ and stayed there all along Genocide. That’s how she was able to rescue her. She did so out of compassion.
All relatives from Muhazi in the eastern province of Rwanda collaborated in their rescuing actions. They successfully rescued a hundred people, hiding them in a forest close to their houses. They acted out of compassion and rejection of Genocide barbarianism.
This old lady from Rukumberi in Ngoma district eastern province rescued a lot of people. She even gave her breast to a baby after its mother’s death. She escaped with 4 little girls during Genocide and brought them back safe. These are Tuyishimire Marie Claire, Umuraza Alphonsine, Umuhoza Raïla, and Umutesi Rachel. She acted out of compassion.
BELOW ARE SOME LINKS TO OUR SCHOOL RESOURCES WHERE YOU CAN ALSO READ SURVIVOR STORIES ABOUT DARKNESS AND LIGHT DURING THE 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI IN RWANDA: