Novat Nintunze

Burundi 1972: Tutsi Massacres in the South and the Effluvium of Genocide Novat Nintunze

Novat Nintunze was in middle school in 1972. In April and May of that year, Tutsis were massacred by Hutu insurgents mostly in the South and in the South-West of Burundi. He lost his father, 2 uncles and many other relatives and neighbors. The ensuing repression by government forces took the lives of many Hutus, often with no due process. Many years later, Novat has written his memoirs of growing up in a seemingly idyllic environment of mountainous Burundi. He provides observations of seeds of division, planted many years ago, germinating and growing into genocidal strife. He also shares testimonies from survivors, and he highlights those who sheltered the innocents in those dangerous times. He recounts a painful history, so that it can be known and hopefully not be repeated, and with the sincere hope that knowledge will lead to a reconciled society.
The author was born and grew up in Burundi, East Africa. He currently resides in the United States of America.