One day Déo, a drycleaner who used to work with Pierre came by and asked me if I knew where Pierre was. I asked Déo why he was looking for him. Then I went in the room and I asked Pierre, "Pierre, Déo is looking for you. Should I tell him that you are here or should I say I don't know?" He told me to tell him that he was there. I went back and asked Déo once again, "Why are you looking for Pierre?"

"I just want to help him cross the river Muha," he said. "It is better he dies there. I do not want him to die here, where I can see him." So I asked Pierre, "Do you think you could reach safety if Déo helps you cross the river Muha?" Pierre said he would grateful if we helped him.

Before leaving me, Pierre prayed to God to bless me for the love I showed him and what I have done for him. He thanked me for having saved him that day. I asked God to bless him as well and ensure that he reaches his home safely.

With the help of an old woman called Mukamanengo, Déo helped Pierre crossed the river. Then Déo came back and told me Pierre had crossed the river without any problem. Let him die there not under our sight." We argued about that.

Pierre managed to get away. After the repatriation process has begun, he came back to see me. He told me, "As soon as I returned, I felt I needed to come and visit you." He prayed to God to continue blessing me. He told the whole story to his parents and they blessed me to a degree I cannot imagine. I thank God that he is still alive. He is a good guy. During the Heroes Summit, we sat together and had some pictures taken. I thank God he is still alive.

Interview by Maziar Bahari
Translated by Tatien Nkeshimana
Edited by David Shem-Tov