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BIOGRAPHY

CYPRIEN RUGAMBA
(1932-1994) 1

Cyprien was born in Cyanika (Ruanda) probably in 1932. He
was a very intelligent child and his teacher recommended him to enter
the Minor Seminary in Kabgayi.

education

After finishing high school, eager to become a priest, he entered
the Major Seminary. While studying existentialist philosophy, he
eventually lost his faith and left the seminary.

losinG His Fiancée

Between 1960 and 1962 Cyprien studied history and literature
at the University of Bujumbura, then he moved to Belgium, to the
Catholic University of Louvain. During these years he fell in love
with Xavérine, a girl from his country. Their respective families
came to an agreement and the wedding was held. In 1963, during the
massacres in Rwanda, Xavérine’s family was attacked and she died by
BIOGRAPHY took refuge in writing.
drowning in a river. Cyprien fell into depression and for two years he

a neW Fiancée

According to the local customs, the family looked for a second
wife for Cyprien and the choice fell upon Daphorose, a young and
beautiful girl, known to the family as the daughter of Cyprien’s master
and niece of his fiancée Xavérine. She was an excellent solution to
honor the marriage agreement between the families.
1 For all biographical information, cf. Jean-Luc Moens, Famiglia Rugamba. In cielo danzando, Ed.
Velar, Gorle (BG) 2021; Cyprien e Daphrosa Rugamba, <emmanuel.info>.