Kanombe is an eastern suburb of Kigali, and here you will find the home of a president who was assassinated in April of 1994. President Habyarimana's Falcon 60 passenger jet was shot down on April 6 and this event became the catalyst for the 1994 genocide.
There are several versions as to how and who shot the plane out of the sky but there is little doubt that this event was a conduit for the horrors to come, and the military conflict resulting in Rwanda's present political and social reality. Behind the garden of this great home can actually be seen the wreckage of the plane crash. Parts of the wings, fuselage and engines lay where they fell. The scene is quite eery. I guess I would have taken a photo if it had been allowed - but the guide with us said this was prohibited. And thankfully so since such a photo shoot would have been somewhat disrespectful.
The home is now the Rwanda Art Museum and we had to remove our shoes before entering. Every room is layered with art from Rwanda's past and present artists. Like all such galleries I do find them thought provoking. Not being a natural artist myself however, I probably misinterpret most of the exhibits. Thankfully the guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions. There was even a part of the premise where you could buy art exhibits.
The building and garden of the president's home is most likely a shadow of its former grandeur. Like all nations, the leader is blessed with a place befitting such responsibility. Grand rooms, a huge garden, a swimming pool - huge areas for entertainment. I leave the reader with some photos of the outside of this building.
There are several versions as to how and who shot the plane out of the sky but there is little doubt that this event was a conduit for the horrors to come, and the military conflict resulting in Rwanda's present political and social reality. Behind the garden of this great home can actually be seen the wreckage of the plane crash. Parts of the wings, fuselage and engines lay where they fell. The scene is quite eery. I guess I would have taken a photo if it had been allowed - but the guide with us said this was prohibited. And thankfully so since such a photo shoot would have been somewhat disrespectful.
The home is now the Rwanda Art Museum and we had to remove our shoes before entering. Every room is layered with art from Rwanda's past and present artists. Like all such galleries I do find them thought provoking. Not being a natural artist myself however, I probably misinterpret most of the exhibits. Thankfully the guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions. There was even a part of the premise where you could buy art exhibits.
The building and garden of the president's home is most likely a shadow of its former grandeur. Like all nations, the leader is blessed with a place befitting such responsibility. Grand rooms, a huge garden, a swimming pool - huge areas for entertainment. I leave the reader with some photos of the outside of this building.
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