The attack took place on March 18, 1997, three years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, during a period when national security was still fragile, particularly in areas near the border with Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), where perpetrators of the genocide had fled. At the time, the students were aged between 17 and 22 and were well aware of Rwanda's tragic history, including how ethnicity had been politicised before and during the genocide.
In interviews with IGIHE, survivors described how insurgents entered classrooms while students were reviewing lessons in the evening at around 8 PM. Urimubenshi Emmanuel, a sixth-year student, recalled:
'It started while we were having our evening meal, and at first we didn't understand what was happening. We saw many people dressed in unfamiliar military-style clothing. There was a military post nearby, but the area had no electricity at the time. Those who had lights were using generators or solar lamps. Since we also had a generator and were used to soldiers coming to the school to connect radios, we assumed it was them, but soon we realised they were insurgents.'
The attackers demanded that students separate, with Tutsi on one side and Hutu on the other. A sixth-year student, Mujawamahoro Marie Chantal, responded by declaring,
'We are all Rwandans.'
The insurgents shot and killed her and continued firing, targeting other students. After lying on the floor to survive, the sixth-year students witnessed the attackers move to the fifth-year classrooms.
Fifth-year students, including Ndemeye Valens, who would later be killed, took cover under desks as insurgents entered. Two attackers were armed with guns and grenades, while a third stood outside with a machete. One student, Benimana Hélène, refused to separate by ethnicity, saying there were no Tutsi or Hutu among them; they were all Rwandans. She and several others, including Mukarutwaza Séraphine and Valens, were killed.
Survivors said that their upbringing at Nyange, which emphasised unity, prayer, and coexistence, helped them reject the insurgents' demands and remain united.
The attack left seven students dead, six on the night of March 18, 1997 and one in 2001 from injuries sustained during the assault. The two schools had 47 students at the time; 39 survived, with one later dying in 2018 from illness.
Because of their courage, the Rwandan government recognised the Nyange students as National Heroes in 2001, placing them in the 'Imena' category. Survivors later formed an association, Komezubutwari ('Continue the Heroism'), and some, like Rusizi District Mayor Sindayiheba Phanuel, went on to serve in government.
Urimubenshi reflected on the long recovery after the attack:
'Fear was overwhelming. Even at the hospital, we panicked at every sound. But the government supported us fully, covering all medical treatment and helping us recover. Their support reinforced unity and showed us the value of being there for one another.'
The Nyange students' defiance that night remains a lasting symbol of courage and national unity in Rwanda, commemorated today alongside other heroes on Heroes Day.
IGIHE
