Paul: Late one night, after midnight, I took one of the Tutsi to the main road. I stopped a car from Bujumbura and begged the driver to take him away to safety in Ruyigi. I gave the driver 2500Fbu. I told my friend, "Go with him. If God wants, we shall meet again." This is how he was saved. He lives not far from here. Eventually, another car came from Ruyigi and helped the others escape.

Rose: What Paul did for us made some people unhappy. But he really did a great thing. To this day we are thankful to him. Although I am alone here today, there really are thirty-five of us. We are very proud of him.

Q: Did saving Tutsi make you a traitor in the eyes of other Hutu?
Paul: Some were very angry with me. They said that I don’t deserve to live, that I am a traitor. Whatever they say, the important thing is that I saved people and that I am still alive today.

Q: How have your neighbours treated you since?
Paul: Some people were happy with what I have done. Others now even thank me. Others realise that nothing was achieved by killing. But the ones who rescued people are very happy. As far I’m concerned, I gained much because I saved lives. These people are still alive. We share everything we have. We love each other. We never blame each other. And I think this is right.

Rose: I think Paul, his wives, sons and his daughters in-law acted under the holy spirit. I can’t understand how you can refuse someone who threatens to kill you if you are not going to give up strangers. Only God will properly reward him. I have nothing to give him. I still live in a refugee camp. I can’t thank him enough.

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