Niyonzima, Therence
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Interviewee Gender
Male
Geographical Location(s) during the genocide
Bujumbura, Lycee of Nyakaiga, Buyenzi, Gihona, Musave hill, Mibanda village
Current Geographical Location
Kizuka, Kizuka zone, Kizuka village, Rumonge commune, Rumonge province
Interview Date
2022
Interviewer Name
Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza, Northeastern Illinois University - Center for Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD)
Transcriptionist: — Pasteur Niyomwungere
Summary of Oral History
Therence Niyonzima witnessed his father die after he took a spear to his side.
After he watched his father die in agony, he said he carries his father’s wound and death with him in his heart every single day. He has never recovered from this heartbreak nor has he ever been able to recover his land or livestock taken by the militia. Niyonzima also lost his uncle in the genocide but explained that mourning their deaths would be strictly forbidden and punishable by death. Niyonzima was forced to live with the person who stabbed and murdered his father right in front of him. He had to pretend it did not happen to survive. Now, Niyonzima encourages Burundian youth to learn the truth about the painful past and to not be arrogant or vengeful.
Length of Oral History
00:32:01
Language(s) of Oral History
Kurundi, English
Language(s) of Transcripts
Kirundi, English
Translator for Transcripts
GHRAD Project Participant/ Research Team
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
Niyonzima, Therence, "Niyonzima, Therence" (2022). 1972 Burundi Genocide – Oral Histories. 7.
https://neiudc.neiu.edu/burundi-oral-histories/7
Files
Download Therence Niyonzima – Oral History Transcript and Translation (Kirundi and English) (261 KB)