Anasthasie Nyirakobwa

Rwandan peacebuilder who developed community reconciliation models after the genocide

Emerging from the ashes of Rwanda's 1994 genocide, Anasthasie Nyirakobwa (b.1968) created groundbreaking community reconciliation programs that transformed post-conflict recovery methodologies. Her Abunzi mediation system became UN-recognized best practice in transitional justice.

As founder of Haguruka Association, Nyirakobwa implemented three-pillar approach combining traditional Gacaca principles with modern trauma counseling. Her work enabled 80,000+ genocide survivors and perpetrators to co-exist through:

• Agricultural cooperatives mixing rival groups
• Joint memorial construction projects
• Child-centered reconciliation education