It is 29 years since the beginning of the Rwandan Genocide. Fr Théogène Ngoboka and the Justice and Peace Commission of Cyangugu are helping to foster forgiveness and reconciliation.

By ACN Staff

The world was shocked by the Rwandan Genocide, which took place from April until July 1994. There are still those who are incarcerated for crimes committed during the genocide. Fr Théogène Ngoboka, the Director of the Justice and Peace Commission of Cyangugu, carries out pastoral work with 3,850 inmates in Rusizi prison, 1,300 of whom are incarcerated from the genocide, and is attempted to foster forgiveness and reconciliation.

Fr Théogène explains that many of the inmates incarcerated from the genocide were sentenced by “Gacaca” people’s courts, with villages guided by elders gathering and presiding over cases. These courts were used to allow for speedy sentences for those involved in the genocide. According to Fr Théogène, the men still in prison either refused to confess or committed offences in several areas and had consecutive sentences placed on them by different courts.

Fr Théogène tells us about his work as a prison chaplain:

“I have a permanent right to visit. With volunteers who work in the Justice and Peace Commission, I help the inmates who are soon to be let out to prepare for their release. The fact is, you may have served your sentence as regards the law, but society continues to judge you. I explain to the inmates that it’s important and necessary to be reconciled with the community.”

Fr Théogène explains that one of the first steps toward reconciliation is to get the former prisoner to ask for forgiveness and acknowledge his actions before he leaves prison, with Fr. Théogène and other priests often acting as intermediaries. If the prisoner is willing to take this step, they write a letter to the survivor’s family, committing to change their behaviour. A dialogue is then opened as Fr. Théogène details:

“If the survivor confirms that the letter is truly complete, we suggest to them that they go to the prison to talk with the prisoner. So, one day a month we organise these visits with the prison social service. We are still mediators and are present at these meetings. We facilitate the conversation. The emotions are powerful.

“Then, if forgiveness is given and accepted, we have to extend it to the members of the family. Forgiveness must relate to the family, both the family of the survivor and the family of the prisoner.”

The priests also try to involve the rest of the community and organise meetings between the prisoners and other families. Faith plays a vital role in these reconciliations, and the Word of God is at the centre of the discussions and offers the model for forgiveness. Others who have already gone through reconciliation are often invited to give testimonies. This all means that the community is prepared for when the prisoner is released.

When asked if it was a long process, Fr Théogène replied as follows:

 “Yes, that’s why we begin three years before the release. And after they are released, that’s not the end. We commit to journeying with them for at least six months to allow the prisoners and the victims to overcome their fear. We organise meetings around the Word of God, community projects allowing them to work together in a field, or on a building site…We ask them to visit each other. Reconciliation is not automatic. Trust must be built. It’s a long journey.”

Even 29 years on, things are very sensitive. Some people have developed coping mechanisms and don’t want to revisit the topic and open old wounds. The victim or survivor’s family must be convinced of the sincerity of the request for forgiveness. Sometimes information is revealed where a loved one is buried for example, which can help.

To make things even more complicated for Fr Théogène, some prisoners have been wrongfully convicted of crimes during the genocide. For example, someone who looted during the genocide but did not directly kill may have been imprisoned for murder. The process of reconciling these prisoners to the community is different. Fr Théogène is adamant that there must be truth for reconciliation, meaning these cases must be treated differently.

This year, the anniversary of the beginning of the genocide, 7 April, is Good Friday. This is a sign to Fr Théogène:

“It’s a telling sign that God is with us in these painful moments. During the genocide, many Rwandans who were strong believers asked where God was. Above all, there was a well-known Rwandan adage saying: “God spends his day in other countries and always comes back to spend the night in Rwanda!” Many still ask the question about the silence of God in the face of their suffering. The answer to this question can be found in the mystery which we celebrate on Good Friday: God was with His suffering children, His persecuted righteous ones, a sign of the victory of life over death, a sign of the hope of a better future in Jesus Christ.”

God is always with us. Fr Théogène sees God at work in the act of forgiveness, which is a miracle.

During the year 2021, in the Diocese of Cyangugu, 154 prisoners were accompanied and brought together with 98 genocide survivor families. ACN supports the work of the national Justice and Peace Commission in financing a training programme for 120 priests and male and female Religious in three dioceses to enable them to understand trauma, the techniques of active listening and psychospiritual accompaniment for community resilience.