Nadayishimey, Antonie
Interviewee Age
52
Interviewee Gender
Male
Interviewee Ethnicity
Hutu
Geographical Location(s) during the genocide
Muyinga
Interview Date
2025
Summary of Oral History
Nadayishimey was born amid the 1972 Genocide of Burundi and lost his father when he was just an infant. He and his four siblings grew up in devastating living conditions while members of their community told them they were “children of a traitor.” Nadayishimey said his father was a tax collector who always advocated for fairness among the people. He said his father would bring those accused of stealing before their peers for judgment rather than sending them to be executed. Because of his father’s intellectual status, he was targeted as a threat and accused of being a rebel against the government. Nadayishimey said his father was arrested and never seen alive again. Nadayishemey’s family’s home was ceased during the attack, and they were never able to reobtain ownership. Despite the emotional and physical devastation, his mother raised Ndayishemey and his siblings to forgive, forget, and focus on the future. Now, more than 50 years after this mass atrocity, Ndayishemey hopes Burundians will be able to democratically choose their leaders so they have the freedom to express themselves without fear.
Rights
IN COPYRIGHT - EDUCATIONAL USE PERMITTED This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Recommended Citation
Nadayishimey, Antonie, "Nadayishimey, Antonie" (2025). 1972 Burundi Genocide – Oral Histories. 58.
https://neiudc.neiu.edu/burundi-oral-histories/58
