Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Over 1,000 young people from Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, Gasabo, Bugesera, Kamonyi, and Muhanga districts gathered in Kigali on March 25, demanding accountability for individuals who deny or distort the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, particularly those using social media platforms abroad to spread misinformation.
This mobilization was part of the “Rubyiruko Menya Amateka Yawe” (Youth, Know Your History) campaign, a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MoYA). The program seeks to educate young Rwandans on their country’s past, equipping them with factual knowledge to counter genocide denial and ideological distortions.
A Global Appeal for Stronger Anti-Denial Laws
Rwandan youth are urging foreign governments to introduce and enforce strict laws against genocide denial, similar to existing Holocaust denial legislation.
“Punishing those who deny or trivialize the Genocide against the Tutsi should be enforced in countries where they reside,” stated Celestin Kamugisha, a youth leader at the event.
Despite a 2014 UN resolution recommending the criminalization of genocide denial, implementation remains weak. Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana, Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, pointed to Belgium as a notable offender, accusing it of supporting organizations that promote genocide denial—including CLIIR (led by Joseph Matata) and JAMBO ASBL.
JAMBO ASBL, he noted, was founded by descendants of genocide perpetrators, including individuals linked to convicted criminals tried by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and Gacaca courts. The organization has been accused of spreading misinformation and historical revisionism.
Bizimana further criticized Belgium’s colonial policies, which he argued exacerbated ethnic divisions in Rwanda, ultimately laying the groundwork for the 1994 genocide.
Youth at the Forefront of Protecting Rwanda’s Legacy
Minister Bizimana emphasized that Rwanda’s progress under President Paul Kagame’s leadership must be safeguarded. He highlighted initiatives such as Ndi Umunyarwanda, which fosters national identity, trust, and unity among Rwandans.
However, the minister also warned about resurging genocide ideology in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stressing that young people must actively counter hate speech and misinformation.
The Role of Education in Countering Genocide Denial
Several youth representatives at the event underscored the importance of historical education in combating genocide denial.
- Jean De Dieu Mazimpaka proposed establishing platforms for students to write books on genocide history, colonization, and strategies to fight denial.
- Innocent Mutabaruka, a youth leader from Bugesera District, called for patriotic values, anti-corruption efforts, and anti-genocide initiatives to be reinforced among the youth.
- Fred Maniragaba from Nyarugenge District encouraged young people to follow the values of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) Inkotanyi, who played a crucial role in ending the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Preserving History for Future Generations
According to the 2022 census by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), 65.3% of Rwandans are under the age of 30. This means the majority of the population was born after the genocide, making it crucial to preserve historical memory and ensure younger generations understand the dangers of genocide ideology.
The “Rubyiruko Menya Amateka Yawe” campaign has been touring the country, beginning in Nyagatare District (Eastern Province), Gisagara District (Southern Province), and Karongi District (Western Province). Its latest stop in Kigali brought together youth from multiple districts, and the next session will take place in Burera District (Northern Province) at the National Ubutore Development Center (NUDC) in Nkumba.
As Rwanda continues its fight against genocide denial, the role of its youth in preserving history, promoting unity, and countering misinformation remains more vital than ever.
