OBOC - Burundi

Everyone, well almost everyone, has heard of the Rwandan genocide and know that it had something to do with ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis. But until I read "The voice in my heart" by Gilbert Tuhabonye I had no idea how the Rwandan conflict was closely tied to the political history of Burundi and the 2 clashes of genocidal proportions that took place in Burundi in the early '70s and '90s.

Here is a brief primer if you are interested, else skip to the next paragraph.  (This does not figure in the story of Gilbert, but is a good-to-know background). In a country of Hutu majority (>80%),  the Tutsis have held power and senior positions in the Military and Government since Independence. In the first post-independence elections despite a sweeping Hutu victory, a Tutsi was appointed the Prime Minister and this led to a failed coup attempt which was followed by Hutu insurgents killing Tutsis and the Tutsi controlled military retaliating with a systematic slaughter. This also led to many Hutus fleeing to Rwanda resulting in radicalization of the overall Hutu population in Rwanda. This was the infamous first Burundian genocide.

Gilbert's story happens in the '90s when the first Hutu President Ndadaye was assassinated during the second genocide. What followed was a Hutu retaliation on the Tutsi population and the subsequent crackdown by the army. Gilbert growing up in an idyllic village in Mount Fuku in Bururi was at that time attending middle school in the prestigious Lycie Kimbee area, where he had already established himself as a super star athlete. When the Hutu population rounded up the Tutsi students and hacked some of them to death, and set fire to the remaining, Gilbert was the only one who miraculously survived the slaughter. Using the burned bodies of his schoolmates as a shelter and a human bone to break open the window, Gilbert escapes and is eventually picked up the army where he is treated for his burns. Slowly regaining his strength - physical and mental, he does not give up on his dream to go to the US on a track scholarship. Despite the harrowing experiences, his faith in god and the kindness of people around helps him heal and achieve his dreams.

Gilbert's biography - his childhood days, his family, the education system in Burundi and his athletic feats are interwoven with the slaughter episode at the school in alternate chapters. This is an interesting piece of writing and takes the reader from the idyllic childhood spent chasing cows, to the horrific incidents of that day in a swing of emotions. I also found the comparison to Bosnia interesting given that it was around the same time when the genocide was happening there.

I especially liked the description of his simple, yet peaceful life in Mount Fuku. Childhood days spent roaming around the hills, chasing cows, running barefoot to fetch water, singing along when doing chores, the sounds of the Kirundi language, the staple food and the drumming and other rituals. Also his description of the education system in Burundi, closely mirrors the system in India and I found this fascinating. It also gives you great insight about athletes from developing countries who manage to compete in international arena despite complete lack of resources - be it facilities, sponsorships, coaching support etc.

Gilbert's success despite his humble beginnings is attributed by him to his unflinching faith in god. I believe in addition to faith, his hard work, finding a mentor in Adolphe, single mindedness of purpose, and an openness to new experiences all had significant contributions to his success. Overall, a very interesting biography - inspiring and informative.