ABSTRACT
During the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, more than 800,000 people were killed, mostly Tutsi. Others were tortured, raped, or enslaved. Approximately 200,000 Hutu participated in the killings, and many more participated in other ways in this organized campaign of mass murder. The genocide was coordinated at the national level, but in this densely populated country, villagers performed an important role during the killing campaign. This chapter deals with the ideas of ordinary Rwandans with regard to the transition in their country. The focus will be on their opinions on the notions of truth, justice and reconciliation, but reflection on the interviewees' interpretation of the past will precede these discussions. The interviewees had different opinions on the question of when the genocide started. Several interviewees explained why they thought the genocide had taken place and how so many people came to participate in it. The meaning of justice varies among survivors of mass atrocities.
