Barakirura, Salathiel
Interviewee Age
99
Interviewee Gender
Male
Interviewee Ethnicity
He refused to answer.
Geographical Location(s) during the genocide
Vugozi
Interview Date
2025
Summary of Oral History
During the 1972 Genocide of Burundi, Barakirura said militia invited all male members of the community to attend a peace meeting held under the guise of ceasing violence between the Hutu and Tutsi. When the men entered the meeting grounds, soldiers invaded the area and slaughtered everyone to death. After the horrific ambush, Barakirura fled to Tanzania while the perpetrators stole his home and his land. Barakirura returned to Burundi in 2008 and has fought to regain his property for almost two decades. He said he is not concerned about discussing who is Hutu and who is Tutsi. He wants Burundians to come together as one and end the ethnic divide.
Rights
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Recommended Citation
Barakirura, Salathiel, "Barakirura, Salathiel" (2025). 1972 Burundi Genocide – Oral Histories. 51.
https://neiudc.neiu.edu/burundi-oral-histories/51
