Maman Nestor, Rose and Nelson Nsabimana
During the crisis Maman Nestor saved Rose, her husband Nelson and countless other Hutu and Tutsi. She was honoured during a performance in Gitega in April 2006.
Later that day met up with Rose and elson on our way to Maman Nestor's convent. They were headed there for the interviews that Maziar had set up.
Maman waited for us at the entrance to the grounds. It had begun to rain and we all walked silently into the church. We sat inside while Maziar set up his camera. Maman was tired. One sensed that she was reluctant to give this interview. Recalling the events of these years was probably painful. Her words conveyed no pride or desire for recognition. Nelson and Rose sat behind her while she spoke. When she finished and Maziar was preparing to interview the Nsabimanas, she went to one of the front pews, kneeled and prayed silently.
Maman Nestor: I am a member of the congregation of Bernadette sisters, in the Archdiocese of Gitega.
When President Ndadaye was assassinated, Hutu started killing Tutsi. Some Tutsi sought refuge in the Archdiocese of Gitega. These were the first persons I took in. Some of them were injured so I took them to hospital.
Soon Tutsi started taking revenge and began to kill Hutu. On my way home I saw Hutu who were injured so took them to hospital. But they couldn't go in the same hospital as the Tutsi. I took some of them to Kibuye. Others to the Archdiocese of Gitega, because there was a Belgian woman there who was a doctor.
One day some Tutsi militiamen came with bamboo spears to kill Hutu. Archbishop Ruhuna stopped them and they went away.
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