This week in Rwanda, April 7th to April 13th, marks the beginning of 100 days of the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In this episode, I sit with Céline Uwineza, a survivor, who is also the author of Untamed, a memoir where she recounts her story of survival and her journey towards freedom and healing. On April 10th, 1994, Celine lost her mother, two older sisters, and her siblings, and several other extended family members during the days that followed. She was completely alone and disconnected from anyone she knew for three months until news reached her father and brother that she survived and they reconnected.

When the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi ended, Céline focused on living and going through her educational and professional pursuits until decades later when her trauma resurfaced and left her with no other choice than confronting it. We discuss her journey of reconciling what her 10 year old self experienced and what her adult self was experiencing. We touch on forgiveness and what ‘Kwibuka Twiyubaka’ means for her. 

Her story is heart wrenching yet filled with hope and redemption. Please listen, reflect, and share with those around you! 

#Kwibuka29 

If you are interested in purchasing Céline's book you can find it on Amazon or Ikirezi Library in Kigali.