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Camp Kigali Belgian Monument
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Landmark
The Camp Kigali Belgian Monument is a memorial to ten Belgian UN peacekeepers who were assassinated on April 7, 1994, the first day of the genocide. The soldiers had been assigned to protect Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana. They were captured, disarmed, and brutally killed by Rwandan soldiers. Their murder led to the withdrawal of the bulk of the UN peacekeeping force (UNAMIR), effectively abandoning the country to the genocidaires. The memorial is located at the military base where the killings took place. Ten stone pillars, one for each soldier, stand in a circle. The pillars are cut with horizontal lines indicating each soldier's age. Bullet holes in the surrounding walls have been preserved. The monument is a poignant reminder of the international community's failure to prevent the genocide.
- Location: Rwanda
- Top sights: Gorilla Statue · Sainte-Famille Church · Kandt House Museum of Natural History
- Nearby: Kicukiro (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 102 | 154 | 178 | 139 | 50 | 31 | 56 | 88 | 129 | 160 | 109 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Camp Kigali Belgian Monument is a small museum and memorial in Kigali. It is open to the public and recounts the history of the 1994 genocide.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open weekdays 8 am to 5 pm, Saturdays until noon. Sundays it is usually closed.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the museum and on the grounds. Please refrain from flash in the exhibition rooms.
Time needed
A visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. For a thorough look at the exhibits, allow one hour.
Combine with
The monument is near the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the city center. Combine the visit with a tour of the main memorial.
Getting there
Camp Kigali is in central Kigali, reachable on foot or by taxi. Public buses stop nearby.
Insider tip
Read the information panels carefully as they explain the attack's background. The visit is a moving experience; allow time for reflection.
Geography
Facts
- Honors 10 murdered Belgian UN peacekeepers.
- The killings occurred on the first day of the genocide.
- The soldiers were assigned to protect the Prime Minister.
- Their deaths led to the withdrawal of UN troops.
- 10 pillars symbolize the 10 soldiers.
- Horizontal lines on the pillars indicate age.
- A symbol of the international community's failure.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Camp Kigali Belgian Monument (7)
Nyamirambo Women's Centre
Community centre in Kigali, offering women education and craft courses.
Niyo Arts Centre
Art centre in Kigali with galleries and workshops for local artists.
Kigali zoo for Moussa
Small zoo in Kigali, housing native animals like monkeys and birds.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of this monument?
It commemorates the ten Belgian UN soldiers who were killed at Camp Kigali at the beginning of the genocide.
Is the monument easily accessible?
Yes, it is centrally located in Kigali and easily accessible for pedestrians and by taxi.
How much time should I plan?
For a respectful visit, 15 to 30 minutes is completely sufficient.
Is taking photos allowed here?
Yes, but please maintain a respectful manner, as it is a place of remembrance.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee to visit the monument.
Camp Kigali Belgian Monument: where is it located?
Camp Kigali Belgian Monument is located in Rwanda.
Camp Kigali Belgian Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gorilla Statue, Sainte-Famille Church, Kandt House Museum of Natural History.
Camp Kigali Belgian Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Camp Kigali Belgian Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Camp Kigali Belgian Monument is a memorial to ten Belgian UN peacekeepers who were assassinated on April 7, 1994, the first day of the genocide.
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