Parents distorting the history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, genocide denial and revisionism in general, and false narratives on social media, are the key barriers to unity and resilience highlighted by young people in Gicumbi District during discussions involving around 400 participants from different cooperatives across different sectors on December 19. The meeting themed “The Role of Youth in Unity and Resilience,” was organized by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and the Ministry of Youth. ALSO READ: First Lady urges youth to champion sustained national unity Sandrine Uwizeyimana, one of the youths, talked about parents who are reluctant to share accurate historical accounts. She said: “Some parents refuse to tell the truth about the genocide. For instance, a parent imprisoned for crimes committed during the genocide may claim they are innocent, blaming others for their imprisonment. This misleads their children.” She said some parents frame the genocide as a conflict between two sides, denying that the Tutsi were targeted and justifying the killings as a reaction to President Juvenal Habyarimana’s death. ALSO READ: Habyarimana's role in planning, implementing 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi Julienne Uwacu, the Executive Director of Itorero and Culture Promotion at MINUBUMWE, urged parents to break the cycle of misinformation. “If parents cannot change, they should at least avoid passing harmful mentalities to their children,” she said. Uwacu highlighted the importance of honesty and urged parents to promote unity and resilience by teaching their children the truth about Rwanda’s history. She challenged the youth to take initiative to learn the truth themselves. “Attend discussions, visit memorial sites, and learn from museums and other historical landmarks to understand how the genocide was planned and executed. Youth should not leave the responsibility of preserving history to older generations but should actively seek knowledge,” Uwacu said, adding that the government intensified training programmes for history teachers to ensure accurate and comprehensive instruction on Rwanda’s history in schools. ALSO READ: Creating unity: What the youth need to know Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, the Mayor of Gicumbi District, commended the youth for recognizing the falsehoods propagated by some parents. “Acknowledging these challenges is a step forward. We need to investigate such cases, organize more grassroots-level discussions, and equip young people with accurate information,” Nzabonimpa said. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting unity and resilience initiatives, including the publication of genocide-related books and the promotion of local memorial and historical sites. ALSO READ: Minister urges youth to foster unity, love The youth expressed their determination to play an active role in fostering unity and resilience. Bernard Twagirimana, one of the youths from the region, said: “We now understand the importance of addressing tribal mindsets among our peers and educating them about unity.” Poetess Isabelle Izabayo encouraged the use of art to promote unity and convey Rwanda’s history, while Albertina Irasubiza from who is from Byumba Sector stressed the influence of social media. “Misinformation on social media can mislead those who cannot differentiate between truth and propaganda. Youth must critically evaluate the content they consume online,” Irasubiza said, and commended the discussions as timely and essential for shaping young minds. Telesphore Basesayose, another youth representative in Gicumbi District, pledged to share the knowledge gained. ALSO READ: Killing many in a short period; how civilians were prepared for the Genocide “We will serve as ambassadors, spreading accurate historical accounts and promoting unity among our peers. We plan to form clubs, visit historical sites, and engage both schooling and non-schooling youth to ensure everyone understands their role in fostering resilience,” he said. Uwacu concluded by urging the youth to rise above destructive ideologies passed down by their parents. “You have the power to write your own stories and build a future defined by unity and resilience. Reject divisive narratives and embrace a visionary mindset that inspires your parents to change.” The initiative aimed to educate the youth about Rwanda’s history, particularly the 1994 Genocide, while fostering dialogue on unity, resilience, and the promotion of Rwandan cultural values. The discussions followed similar sessions with officials and educators in Gicumbi District, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to address historical distortions and build a unified Rwanda.
