On June 18, 1994, the 74th day of the 100-day Genocide against the Tutsi, government forces and allied militias continued coordinated nationwide operations targeting Tutsi communities, while the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) advanced in various areas, rescuing survivors.
A cabinet meeting held on June 17, 1994, reportedly decided that Tutsi in the Bisesero area should be eliminated as a matter of urgency. The implementation of this directive was subsequently accelerated under the interim government led by Jean Kambanda, in coordination with military and militia structures.
On June 18, Edouard Karemera, then Minister of Local Government and Community Development, issued a written communication outlining instructions related to operations in Bisesero. Karemera addressed the commander of military forces in Gisenyi prefecture, Lt Col Anatole Nsengiyumva.
In the letter, Karemera relayed the government’s directive following the cabinet decision of June 17, instructing that military forces in Gisenyi support the gendarmerie unit in Kibuye, in coordination with local authorities, to “search for the enemy” in Bisesero sector, Gishyita commune, described by the authorities as an RPF stronghold.
The communication set June 20, 1994, as the deadline for completion of the operation.
It further noted that, due to the absence of the Minister of Defence, who was on official duty abroad, the Minister of Local Government was authorized to convey and follow up on the implementation of the directive.
Copies of the letter were reportedly sent to senior officials, including Prime Minister Jean Kambanda, Minister of Defence Augustin Bizimana, the prefect of Kibuye Dr Clément Kayishema, and the commander of the gendarmerie in Kibuye, Maj Jean-Baptiste Jabo.
The directives placed key civilian and military authorities at the centre of the coordination and execution of operations targeting Tutsi populations during the genocide.
The events in Bisesero remain among the most documented episodes of mass killings and resistance during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
