It’s been a while since I have written an entry on this blog. Perhaps it’s because I’ve gotten into a routine: work – study – eat – sleep – hang out with friends. It’s not at all a bad routine, but a routine nonetheless. So, last week when I struck up a conversation with the night guard at our house, Aimé, I realized that there is nothing routine about Rwanda.
A few housemates and I went for dinner, and upon our return had a conversation about what appeared to be bullet holes on the brick wall surrounding the house, and dents in the gate. Aimé, the night guard, confirmed that these were in fact from the fighting in 1994. He explained it like this:
Our house is situated very near to the Parliament building. In 1994 the RPF forces made their way to Kigali, and took over the parliament building. Fighting ensued between the former Rwandan army and the RPF forces at the Parliament and in the surrounding areas. (In fact, you can still see bullet holes and damage from mortar fire at the Parliament building.) As fighting continued, it expanded beyond the perimeter of Parliament, and made its way down the streets and dirt roads that existed in 1994 – one of which was the street where our house is situated. Aimé explained how the RPF forces pushed back the army, who took cover behind walls, trees, etc. – all the while pointing out the areas in front of our house where this happened.
The conversation, and the inner reflection that ensued, were a reminder that there is nothing at all routine about being in a country that is only 16+ years post-genocide.
