25 years after the devastating Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed over one million people, the Government has been lauded for championing reconciliation and unity in the country. This year’s official commemoration period, which concluded yesterday, focused on the youth by educating them about the history of the Genocide and seeking their engagement in building a bright future based on love and humanity, instead of hatred and destruction. For the Government to sustain the successful results of reconciliation and unity, the involvement of youth, who comprise of 58% of the population, will be paramount. Sunday Magazine’s Edwin Ashimwe sought the views of a cross-section of youth about their role in upholding reconciliation and unity in Rwanda. I believe the first solemn step should be understanding what the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi means to Rwanda and why it happened, through which we should all fight to uphold our dignity, fight ethnicity, refrain from divisionism, and strive to keep in mind that we are enjoying sacrifices that were made by Rwandan heroes. Christelle Kamanzi; Public relations officer ************************ The post-genocide generation should uphold what has been put in place by the Government and know that they will be held accountable for generations. Serge Rwigamba; visitor engagement officer at Kigali Genocide Memorial site ************************ The post-Genocide generation should fight genocide ideology and any kind of divisionism, in order to contribute to the country’s development. Secondly, there is need to advocate for unity, through schools, local communities and the post-Genocide generation should be challenged to unite in all circumstances. Emmy Nsengiyumva; Journalist ************************ First of all, I think we are on the right track, through conversations around mental health we have made it possible for more to heal and start living stronger relationships. Today, young people sit and engage in important discussions trying to find big solutions. Dominique Alonga; CEO, Imagine We Rwanda and author.
