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Mass graves from Rwanda’s genocide unearthed more than 24 years later

Relatives of those killed or disappeared during Rwanda’s genocide have gathered at the site of four newly discovered mass graves in the country, where hundreds of bodies have been buried.

Over 200 bodies have been discovered so far at four different mass graves in Rwanda, thought to date back to the 1994 genocide in the country, in which some 800,000 people were massacred. Locals say as many as 3,000 victims may be buried at mass graves in the area, with one site still undiscovered.

Théogene Kabagambire, an official with the umbrella organisation for Genocide survivors called Ibuka, said that they were still searching for the other site, and added that those who were convicted over their role in the genocide "are doing little to reveal the whereabouts of our loved ones".

In an editorial on the issue, The New Times said,

“The discovery of the mass graves after 24 years raises some disturbing questions; why had no one come forward to reveal their existence? Some of those who took part in the killings have completed their sentences and are out free... It is very disturbing that every now and then mass graves are discovered of which the now free perpetrators never bothered to reveal to bereaved families so that they can get closure.”

See more here and here.

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