The president of Amani Forum Rwanda chapter, Denis Polisi has warned that cases of Genocide ideology and divisionism are still prevalent in the region despite continued efforts to address the problem.

Polisi is also a vice speaker of the Chamber of Deputies.

A recent parliament research indicates that divisionism and Genocide ideology continue were on the rise in the country.

Polisi said Genocide ideology in Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is caused by negative elements that hate peace and always want to fulfil their insatiable desires.

Addressing a press conference on Monday at Parliamentary Buildings, Polisi said: "Despite of the efforts we have made, there are still manifestations of Genocide ideology in peoples’ speeches and perceptions, based on misconceptions.”

"Genocide ideology continues in schools, families and places of work. We should not rest in remitting the problem.” He was speaking ahead of this week’s regional Amani meeting.

Amani (peace in Swahili) is an association of some MPs from countries in and around the Great Lakes Region, which was set up to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing insecurity and diplomatic hitches affecting the region.

Polisi explained that the methods employed to fight Genocide ideology must be directed to changing peoples’ perceptions right beginning with the young population.

Fighting Genocide ideology, he said, is a continuous process and should be handled in the same way as corruption and other forms of human rights violations.

Amani will make a follow-up on measures geared towards fighting Genocide ideology from grassroots, Polisi said. 

He regretted that some Rwandans in the Diaspora continue to spread Genocide ideology through international media channels and use of internet yet they had never been denied the right to return to their motherland.

 "They survive on spreading messages of divisionism. They have all the rights to come home and participate in rebuilding their country but they are not willing,” he said. Ends