The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB)’s data reveals positive trends in the fight against genocide ideology over the past five years. According to RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira, there has been a notable decrease in genocide ideology cases by 13 percent, genocide denial cases by 89 percent, and the trivializing or minimizing of genocide cases by 75 percent. These statistics suggest a significant shift towards fostering unity and reconciliation within the Rwandan society. However, there is an increase in crimes related to concealing, destroying, eliminating, or degrading evidence or information relating to genocide, which saw a rise of 120 percent. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 30: Police urges public to abide by commemoration guidelines, report cases of genocide ideology, negation Meanwhile, this increase is viewed positively by RIB, as it signifies a growing awareness of the legal impact associated with withholding crucial information regarding genocide. Murangira notes that this surge in cases, from 44 in 2019 to 97 in 2023, demonstrates progress, as individuals are increasingly disclosing the whereabouts of genocide victims' remains, thus contributing to the process of healing and reconciliation. Exploring into the specifics, RIB's data shows a rise and fall in the number of cases over the years. In 2019, there were 128 genocide ideology cases, which decreased to 69 cases in 2020, followed by a slight increase to 88 cases in 2021, a drop to 56 cases in 2022, and a subsequent increase to 87 cases in 2023. Similarly, cases of genocide denial numbered 24 in 2019, decreased to 11 in 2020, slightly rose to 12 in 2021, increased to 14 in 2022, and decreased again to 11 in 2023. ALSO READ: Over 1,100 cases of Genocide ideology recorded in four years The trivialization or minimizing of genocide crimes followed a similar pattern, with 51 cases in 2019, dropping to 26 cases in 2020, remaining stagnant at 26 cases in 2021, decreasing to 18 cases in 2022, and rising to 25 cases in 2023. An analysis of 3,563 suspects over the five years reveals that individuals aged 31-40 represent the largest demographic, comprising 29.9 percent of all suspects, followed by those aged 41-50 at 22.3 percent. Furthermore, the majority of suspects have only attained primary education, accounting for 57.3 percent of all suspects, while 31.9 percent have never received formal education. Murangira emphasizes a notable shift in the nature of these crimes, with a transition from physical violence to verbal offenses, which he believes reflects a positive trend. He acknowledges that while the ideology of genocide may remain in some individuals' hearts, the number of such individuals is decreasing, and their ability to openly express such sentiments is rare. However, he cautions that vigilance remains crucial, as there may still be individuals hiding genocidal ideologies.
