Mesindik (Sindikubwabo at Butare)

Access Restrictions:

RESTRICTED: Original audiovisual materials are closed to use. Use of these materials may require production of listening or viewing copies. Please contact Research Services before coming to use this collection.

:

More about accessing and using these materials...

Containers:

Box 120, Audio-cassette RW049

Extent:

Sony Super EF 90

Scope and content:

1. Air Date: [not available]
2. Producer: Radio Rwanda
3. Original Language: Kinyarwanda, French
4. Unidentified Kinyarwanda news caster begins with news headlines: (1) Prime Minister Kambanda's meets with religious, political, and party leaders in Gitarama, (2) UN Special Representative Booh-Booh's pledges "never to forsake Rwanda," (3) 400 Belgian troops are leaving Rwanda.
5. Reporter Rwakana Gaspard continues with report on Kambanda meeting which allegedly discussed ways of ensuring the security of displaced people. These measures include appointing and replacing prefects and appointing a new Army chief of staff. These measures are allegedly hindered by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF)'s unwillingness to stop fighting.
6. Rwakana then reports on the RPF's "unlucky streak" and the FAR's control over all the communes in Ruhengeri save Butaro. Rwanaka repeats that despite the government's best efforts, security of refugees can only be ensured if the RPF stops fighting. Bourgmesters present at the meetings also blamed the shortcomings in security on logistical problems and a shortage of policeman, vehicles, and fuel.
7. Unidentified newscaster continues with (1) report on the FAR's control of Nkumba and Kidaho communes in Ruhengeri, (2) UN support for cease-fire, (3) announcement of Western Europe Foreign Affairs Ministers' decision to send food aid and the departure of 400 Belgian troops.
8. Unidentified French newscaster repeats the headlines and the report on Kamabanda meeting.
9. Reporter Hyacinthe Bicamumpaka repeats earlier reports on Kambanda meeting adding (1) that it was intended to "persuade the population to cease their vindictive acts and the settling of scores" and (2) to dismiss prefects who were unsuccessful at controlling violence. Bicamumpaka then repeats the remainder of the headlines, this time further specifying FAR strongholds on Byumba, Mutara, and Kigali.
10. An unidentified Kinyarwanda reporter continues with report that officials have set up several meetings to "clear up misunderstanding among the population" and to help re-integrate people who have fled. This message was reportedly delivered by Sindikubwabo in Gikongoro, in Maraba commune, Butare, and in Nyakizy, Butare. The Gikongoro Prefet gave the President three reasons for the breakdown in security: (1) anger over Habyarimana assassination, (2) a belief that given the opportunity, the RPF would "not spare them at all," (3) simple banditry. The President reportedly answered that revenge does not justify violence.
11. A taped version of Sindikubwabo's speech follows. In the speech the President (1) urges Rwandan's to watch over each other like gendarmes and not repeat the story of Cain and Abel, (2) argues that gendarmes, population, and army have complementary roles,(3) insists that "security" is primarily the citizens' responsibility, (4) says that citizens who think themselves above the government's orders should be identified and punished.
12. Sindikubwabo continues alleging the enemies strongest weapon is his ability to sow ethnic division. This division causes Rwandans to seek magic cures for their problems rather than finding and questioning those who support the enemies' allegations. "That's how the enemy fulfills this plan without using . . . bullets . . . those who do not understand are requested to listen before its too late."
13. Reporter breaks in adding that the President asks refugees to return to their property wherever possible.
14. Sindikubwabo tape continues with President urging for the closing of camps and for people to master their anger despite the dying of people and the destruction of houses.
15. Musabirema take the microphone again and says that the President aired his concern about the refugees in Cyahinda Parish who have guns and grenades and killed and wounded 7 people, including the burgomaster. The President also reportedly requested the suppression of unauthorized patrols and roadblocks.
16. Side A ends with Musabirema summarizing the main points of Sindikubwabo's speech in French.
17. Likely date: April 5, 1994; likely transmission identity: Radio Rwanda (see Annex 5 Les Medias de Genocide)
18. Side B is blank
19. Tape features report on Kambanda's meeting with leaders in Gitarama and excerpts from Sinkibubwabo's speech in Gikongoro. The broadcast's overt message is that the government is trying to protect refugees, but the calls for everyone to participate in ensuring their fellow citizen's "security" are ambivalent.

Using These Materials