Across Borders, One Story: Liliane Murangwayire Reads from Her Memoir in Karlsruhe, Germany

On June 13, 2025, at the heart of Karlsruhe, Germany, survivor and author Liliane Murangwayire stood before an international audience to share her story — a story of unimaginable loss, survival, and the ongoing journey of healing after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Hosted at Kronenplatz 1 and supported by a local network of women’s organizations and genocide awareness advocates, the event marked the first international reading of her memoir, Surviving the Unthinkable: A Story of Hope and Resilience.

The room fell into quiet reflection as Liliane read from passages of her book, recounting her childhood in Ntarama, the brutal killing of her family inside the church where they had sought refuge, and her miraculous survival at just 12 years old.

But this evening in Germany was more than a reading — it was an act of remembrance across borders. It was proof that stories like Liliane’s do not end with survival, but continue in voices raised for truth, for peace, and for connection.

Your support gave my book a wonderful platform,” Liliane shared after the event.
“Your unique energy and vision could help it reach even more readers around the world.

The audience included Rwandan community members, German allies, and local activists, all united in a space of listening and learning. Many attendees described the experience as transformative, with several deeply moved by Liliane’s courage and clarity in revisiting such painful memories for the sake of future generations.

The evening was also a call to action — a reminder that genocide remembrance is not confined to national borders. It is a global responsibility.

From Rwanda to Germany, Liliane’s journey is a testament to what it means to bear witness — and to do so with unwavering strength and grace.

Her story continues to travel — through her book, her words, and her voice — breaking silence, building bridges, and sowing seeds of peace where once there was only pain.