Deniers do not choose this path by chance. Some of them take this path to cover up the crimes committed by their fathers and/or mothers. This is the case of Uzabakiriho Alfred Antoine, who goes by the nickname Gitifu Sebatware on X (@GitifuW). For some time now, he has been engaged in a deliberate campaign to defame the Rwandan government, falsify the acts constituting the genocide committed against the Tutsi, and strive to sanctify his parents who played a central role in the extermination of the Tutsi in the city of Butare. Let us expose the facts justifying his ethnic radicalism as well as the genocide ideology that drives him.
A. THE FATHER OF @GitifuW IS A NOTORIOUS GENOCIDAIRE
The father of @GitifuW is named UZABAKIRIHO Bernard, son of Gaparayi Innocent and Nyirandushabandi Angélique. In 1994, he was a teacher at Groupe Scolaire de Butare. His wife, NYIRABAKUNGU Antoinette, daughter of Habimana and Nyiramidibura, was also a teacher in Butare. Both are originally from the former Cyangugu prefecture; the father from Nyamasheke District and the mother from Rusizi District.
Uzabakiriho Bernard was tried by the Gacaca courts, both in first instance and on appeal, in the Ngoma Sector – Butare Town. He was found guilty of genocide crimes that he personally committed against Tutsi in Butare (Huye), including the following:
- Participating in meetings to plan massacres;
- Taking part in numerous attacks in Kabutare that killed many Tutsi;
- Being part of a mobile group — a militarized unit that patrolled Kabutare, inciting Hutu to commit genocide and hunting down Tutsi to kill them;
- Organizing how killers would be deployed to roadblocks;
- Participating in an attack on the home of Minani, where two Tutsis — Masudi and Gahamanyi — had taken refuge; they were killed;
- Playing a key role in: The murder of Nturo, Nyetera Eugène, Rwagashayija Innocent, and a young man he was sheltering; The murder of Brother Grégoire, Umulisa Grâce, and the children of Samüel Gasana
Sentence: On 18 November 2006, the Gacaca Court of Ngoma Sector – Butare Town, in Huye District, sentenced Uzabakiriho Bernard to 30 years in prison for these crimes. He signed the verdict and stated that he would appeal. Uzabakiriho Bernard did indeed appeal, and on 14 November 2007, the Gacaca Appeals Court of Ngoma Sector – Butare Town, in Huye District, reviewed the case and confirmed that the genocide charges against him were valid. The court upheld the original sentence of 30 years in prison handed down by the lower court. Uzabakiriho Bernard died in Huye prison while serving this sentence.
Among his accomplices were several teachers from Groupe Scolaire de Butare, including: Twagirayezu Faustin, Murekeye Elisée, Bandora André (alias Cyuma), Nsengiyumva Ignace, Kimanuka Tharcisse, and others.
B. THE MOTHER OF @GitifuW IS ALSO A KNOWN GENOCIDAIRE
The mother of @GitifuW, NYIRABAKUNGU Antoinette, was convicted of genocide-related crimes, just like her husband. The charges against her include:
- The murder of individuals at the home of Rwagashayija Innocent — Angelina, her two children, and a woman originally from Kibuye;
- Membership in a group of women trained to throw grenades;
- Participation in attacks and looting Spreading ethnic ideology, division, and discrimination in schools.
During her trial, NYIRABAKUNGU Antoinette presented defense witnesses, both before the trial court and on appeal. The trial court found her guilty of genocide and sentenced her to 25 years in prison. She appealed, claiming she had not been given enough time to defend herself and that she had new witnesses. These witnesses were summoned during the appeal, but the court concluded that “none of the defense witnesses were able to provide evidence proving that she had not committed the crimes she was accused of. Moreover, none of them were present in Kabutare during the genocide, where the crimes were committed, and therefore could not testify directly. On the other hand, several other witnesses clearly described her actions constituting the crime of genocide perpetrated in Kabutare.”
On November 14, 2007, based on irrefutable evidence, the Gacaca Appeals Court confirmed NYIRABAKUNGU Antoinette’s participation in the genocide against the Tutsi and sentenced her to 19 years in prison.
NYIRABAKUNGU Antoinette, like her husband, died in Huye prison while serving her sentence. Both suffered from AIDS, which they delayed treating, and it was this illness that ultimately claimed their lives.
C. ADVICE
This information is shared to reveal the truth to those who read the extreme lies written or spoken by extremists. Among them are individuals like Gitifu, descendants of parents who participated in the genocide, yet who refuse to dissociate themselves from the crimes committed by their parents. Instead of recognizing that guilt is individual and choosing to contribute to the reconstruction of Rwanda, they continue to perpetuate the extremist legacy of their families.
We commend the many young people born to parents who committed genocide but who have chosen not to be defined by that dark history. They have become champions of unity and reconciliation, helping to build a Rwanda that belongs to all.
To those still imprisoned by genocidal ideology — such as @GitifuW, @PatrickRugaba, the descendants of Shingiro Mbonyumutwa, Habyarimana Juvenal (@JLHabyna), Zigiranyirazo Protais (@MukizaAntoine), the daughter of Safari Stanley and Charles Ndereyehe Ntahontuye, the son of Mbonampeka Stanislas, the daughter of Marcel Sebatware (@dzaneza), the Gatebuke family ), and others who have chosen the path of denial and hatred, our message remains the same: abandon extremism, become true patriots who love their country, reject and free yourselves from the genocidal legacy of your parents, and join us in building a Rwanda that will never again be a nation of division or genocide. Join us.
Today we say goodbye to two valued teammates whose dedication and energy helped shape our journey. Thank you for your outstanding service and unforgettable contributions. Wishing you nothing but the best as you step into the next adventure. You’ll always have a place in our story