Jan Banning

Thirty years after the 1994 Rwandan genocide, remarkable partnerships have emerged: survivors reconciling with those who killed their loved ones—a profound journey toward healing. During the genocide, 800,000 people were killed in 100 days, often by neighbors using crude weapons. Survivors bear deep scars, while perpetrators wrestle with guilt.

Photographer Jan Banning and writer Dick Wittenberg spent a month meeting pairs of former enemies who reconciled, revealing stories of immense suffering and forgiveness. Over 20% of Rwandans face trauma, with rates exceeding 50% among survivors. To address this, NGO CBS Rwanda introduced a community-based sociotherapy program in 2005. More than 115,000 participants, supported by 1,000 trained volunteers, already engaged in sessions blending safety, care, and storytelling. Singing, dancing, and shared narratives foster trust and empathy. 

Many perpetrators express remorse, and 80% of groups continue meeting, maintaining transformative bonds and rekindling friendships.

While the scars of genocide remain, Rwanda demonstrates that even the most divided societies can begin to heal.