Murambi Genocide Memorial
At a glance
| Location | Murambi, Nyamagabe District, Southern Province |
|---|---|
| Listing | UNESCO World Heritage, 2023, with Nyamata, Gisozi and Bisesero |
| Building | Former technical school, still under construction in 1994 |
| Managed by | Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) |
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero1
What happened
When the genocide began, the authorities of the former Gikongoro prefecture told Tutsi to gather at the technical school, then under construction, saying they could not protect them otherwise. Over two weeks about 50,000 people were brought to Murambi. The site had been chosen so that they could be killed in one place, and the main attack came on 21 April 1994.2,3
The memorial today
More than 50,000 victims are buried at Murambi. The school buildings are, with the Nyamata church, one of the two parts of the UNESCO listing that still bear direct traces of the massacre. UNESCO notes that the evidence kept in the buildings is highly vulnerable to environmental conditions and needs careful conservation.1,4
Visiting
Visitors are asked to dress and behave respectfully and to follow the rules set at each site. The national commemoration, Kwibuka, begins on 7 April each year and lasts 100 days.1
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Murambi Genocide Memorial?
In the former Murambi Technical School, in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province.
What happened at Murambi?
About 50,000 Tutsi were sent to the unfinished school in April 1994 on the promise of protection. The main attack came on 21 April 1994.
Why is Murambi part of the UNESCO listing?
With the Nyamata church, its buildings are one of the two parts of the listing that still bear direct traces of the massacre.
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
- Office of the Prime Minister: Genocide memorials preserve our history
- The New Times via allAfrica: Inside Murambi Genocide Memorial, a new UNESCO World Heritage site
- Kwibuka.rw: Murambi Genocide Memorial
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.
