Transgenerational trauma: Reflecting on Rwanda, 30 years later

The New Times organised on Tuesday, April 9, a reflective conversation under the theme of “Transgenerational Trauma 30 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi” where young survivors, those born from survivors, researchers, and mental health experts shared insights into the issue of transgenerational trauma. Renowned artivist and author Dady de Maximo Mwicira-Mitali, who is also a genocide survivor, was part of the conversation that was hosted on X (formerly Twitter) spaces. The other panelists included psychotherapist Chantal Mudahogora and Laurette Akariza, author of the “Wet under the Rainbow” book. Transgenerational trauma is complex in nature because victims, many of whom are born from survivors, do not know or understand the root cause of their triggers and, therefore, are not able to seek adequate help, according to psychotherapist, Mudahogora. Dady de Maximo shed light on his experience with transgenerational trauma as a very young survivor and how his dialogues with his mother, who had been through violence even before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, influenced his own trauma responses. According to Mudahogora, many survivors — particularly those who gave birth long after the Genocide against the Tutsi — are unaware that trauma may be passed on to their offspring. As a result, their child is left trapped in their own trauma as the parents are reluctant to discuss their own pain. During the X space, Mudahogora, mentioned that a foetus as early as four months feels its mother’s wellness, or lack thereof, and signs of trauma may manifest later in life. She underlined that there is an urgent need for parents to educate their children about the trauma they went through and to destigmatise therapy and mental health. She also encouraged parents to not ignore the signs or reactions to transgenerational trauma, which can include panic attacks, addictions, sadness, and other related symptoms. “It is okay not to be okay, but it is more important to seek help,” Mudahogora shared. The conversation then focused on the connection between identity formation and transgenerational trauma. Akariza, author of ‘Wet under the Rainbow’ deliberated on how transgenerational trauma may make one feel out of place. Her book highlights the often-overlooked impact that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has on young survivors and those born from survivors. While Akariza was writing her book, she had the opportunity to speak to victims of transgenerational trauma, and many of them said they experienced severe anxiety and unusual nightmares, especially during the commemoration period. The victims also spoke about carrying the heavy burden of their parents’ broken dreams on their shoulders which may accentuate the severity of their symptoms. Dady de Maximo and a listener representing Interpeace Rwanda closed the conversation with suggestions on how survivors may start open conversations on the trauma they went through with their children, through initiatives and therapy to allow children to understand their own patterns, triggers, and symptoms. Dady de Maximo emphasised that communication and conversations are crucial and urged survivors to listen to one another’s stories with empathy rather than comparing their own suffering.

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Transgenerational trauma: Reflecting on Rwanda, 30 years later