• Thu. Jul 3rd, 2025 6:49:15 AM

30th anniversary of the massacre of Hutu students commemorated at the University of Burundi

Bywebmaster

Jun 17, 2025
In the foreground, Rector Audace Manirambona (in the middle) walking toward the monument of June 11, 1995

BUJUMBURA, June 15 (ABP) – The University of Burundi (UB), in collaboration with the Zirikana UB-95 association, organized on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Mutanga Campus, a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the massacre of students that took place on June 11, 1995, due to their Hutu ethnic background, under the theme: “Remembering the past to better prepare for a brighter future.”

The Rector of UB, Audace Manirambona, various university authorities, the victims’ families, the student community, and the alumni of the university took part in thoes ceremonies.

In his speech, Mr. Manirambona stated that this commemoration does not aim to reopen past wounds, but to educate and raise awareness among new generations about eliminating discrimination and ethnic divisions in all settings, especially in academic environments.

In this regard, Manirambona urged young students to be wary of misinformation spread through social media, and of ill-intentioned politicians who often try to manipulate them to gain power. He called on them to revive a spirit of truth-sharing and mutual respect, and to reject hate speech.

He added that the University of Burundi has set up joint security committees to improve safety and tranquility on campus. The rector also expressed his compassion and paid tribute to the families who lost loved ones during that time.

According to Serge Ndereyimana, assistant to the minister of national education and scientific research in Burundi, the purpose of the commemoration is to show the youth the importance of human dignity. He emphasized that the memory of the innocent victims killed brutally will continue to be honored. He noted that some perpetrators of these crimes have already been brought to justice for thorough investigations.

As for the student representative at the University of Burundi, Siméon Bazirutwabo stated that students now live in harmony, peace, and security, sharing moments of fellowship and solidarity.

Note that the commemoration began with a conference-debate on the theme “Remembering the past to better prepare for a brighter future” and concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the June 11, 1995 monument on the Mutanga campus, following a mass celebrated in memory of the victims at the university parish “Spirit of Wisdom.”

Monument of June 11, 1995

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