Woman tells the moment when she faces man who cut her baby in two pieces.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide in Africa. It was a very hard time; at least 800,000 people were killed at the hands of radical Hutus.

Woman tells the moment when she faces the man who cut her baby in half
Woman tells the moment when she faces the man who cut her baby in half

However, despite all that time of horror, Alice Mukaruinda was one of the persons who survived to tell the world that God was the only one who gave her strength to go on.

Giving a look back of what happened during those days Alice said “We would either hide under the dead bodies when we heard them come to start shooting or dig a place to hide. Because I had a baby, a young baby I couldn’t do any of that. I would just sit in the water”.

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On April 29, 1994, Alice was discovered by genocide perpetrators, and with no compassion they took her baby and cut her in half. “They Took My Baby and Cut Her in Two Pieces,” she said.

After her attack, Alice said a prayer and asked God to bring her to those who wronged her and to lead her to forgiveness. “I wanted to be close to God and not just be on the surface,” she said.

A time later her prayer was answered because after the genocide, humanitarian organizations like World Vision were on the ground, with first aid, food, and medicine. They also played a major role in reconciliation efforts.

Besides that, President Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s current President, refused to use killing as punishment and abolished the death penalty. Instead, he offered another solution; a system of community courts called Gacaca. It allowed criminals to confess and seek forgiveness.

This announcement gave criminals the chance to repent of their actions, and it was when Emmanuel Nadayisaba, the man who cut Alice´s baby in half, had his opportunity.

“I started forgiving myself when I stood in front of the court,” said Emmanuel Nadayisaba.

He confessed his crimes and after prison became a community-building volunteer. While working he realized he was actually on a team with one of his victims, although she had no idea who he was, and then one day Emmanuel asked to speak with Alice.

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“We both joined that association of peace-building and reconciliation that World Vision was involved in,” said Alice as she recalled meeting Emmanuel.

“I was all sweaty. I was very nervous. Everything was hot everywhere. I fell down on my knees and raised my hands up and told her that I’m the person who was responsible,” said Emmanuel.

When Alice heard his confession, she fainted. “The next thing I remember I was at the hospital. I didn’t respond. I guess I was in shock.”

“I was still on my knees when she fainted and they took her away, said Emmanuel.

Days later Alice asked to meet with Emmanuel, all she asked of him was that he apologize to her family. She then became an advocate for him in court.

“She helped me open the case. And plead for mercy. I was able to not go back to prison,” said Emmanuel.

Alice said The Lord gave her the strength to forgive Emmanuel, “it’s only God. I can’t explain it. It’s only God nothing else. No one else.”

As a symbol of unity, Alice and Emmanuel planted fruit trees together in front of each of their homes. Their hope is that their grandchildren and others will eat the fruit of their reconciliation.

Today Alice still has the scars that show the beating and mutilation she endured, but beyond that, she has the confidence and hope in God, the one who gave her a new beginning and peace in her heart.

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