Difficult reconciliation in Rwanda. Reflections around the testimony of Janvier Gasore SAC

Abstract

Rwanda is associated with the tragedy of genocide in 1994, but recently it has become an example of the reconstruction of the country and the development of the economy. In the context of forgiveness and reconciliation, the country is still on the path to full reconciliation. Father Janvier Gasore SAC describes his story of forgiveness and reconciliation, how he faced the difficult reality of his village, where almost all of his family died, and how he helped the prisoners from Gikondo. Reconciliation in the life of Father Janvier Gasore SAC takes place in specific life situations during a meeting with victims and torturers. The method for successful reconciliation is the application of forgiveness and abandonment of retaliation, proposed by the Catholic Church. In this way, the further escalation of evil stops and begins to look differently at the other man who until recently was my enemy. An important novelty of Janvier Gasore’s testimony is the fact that Gacaca - popular tribunals that judged the guilty of genocide existed earlier than in 2001. The rise of the first Gacacas was with the blessing of the Catholic Church, with a large reserve of state authorities. It is only after 2001 that the state authorities take over this idea to deal with the necessity of mass perpetration of those who are guilty of genocide. Nowhere in the literature on the subject could one find information concerning the existence of Gacaca by 2001. Another important element of the testimony is the memory of martyrs among the people of the Church. At present, the marginal participation of priests in genocide is more often emphasized, ignoring the martyrdom of 250 clergy of the Catholic Church.  Most often they died in defense of innocent people.