Youth leaders from various districts in Kigali attended a two-day Rwanda Reflect Seminars whose aim was to educate youth on the causes of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, its historical context, and Rwanda's journey towards recovery.

The event organised by Rwanda We Want Organisation and International Alert Rwanda through its USAID-funded Dufatanye Urumuri project implemented in partnership with ARCT-Ruhuka run from April 24-25. It was held in conjunction with the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwanda We Want is dedicated to fostering youth leadership, while International Alert Rwanda works to address the root causes of conflict. The seminars explored Rwanda's history, focusing on governance, education, media, and international factors that contributed to the genocide.

Colbert Rulinda, the Executive Director of Rwanda We Want, emphasised the importance of engaging young people in discussions about Rwanda's history.

"Often, youth find themselves not engaging in conversations with their parents, resulting in a lack of knowledge about history. This seminar aims to bridge that gap by providing youth with the opportunity to learn extensively about Rwanda's history,” he said.

The first day of the seminar examined governance during the colonial period and pre-1994, emphasising how genocide ideology gradually took root.

Lonzen Rugira, a researcher, pointed out that governance plays a pivotal role in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors, which can either foster unity or incite division.

Lambert Kanamugire an official from AEGIS Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing genocide, led participants through the state of governance and education before the genocide, illustrating how these sectors contributed to the spread of divisive ideologies.

Ariane Inkesha, Country Director of International Alert Rwanda, stressed the need for youth to understand history, saying,

"It's crucial for the youth to delve into our history, as it equips us with vigilance and discernment, enabling us to recognise the warning signs that may jeopardise Rwandan unity.”

Joyce Musabe, an expert in education and curriculum, discussed the transformative changes in education after the genocide, stressing their role in promoting unity and resilience. She noted that education is a cornerstone for societal progress and reconciliation.

The second day began with powerful testimonies from Emmanuel Bizimana and Ezekiel Twiringiyimana, both participants in the USAID Rwanda Dufatanye Urumuri project and active members of the Rwandan youth community. They shared their personal stories of loss and recovery. Twiringiyimana lost his parents during the genocide, while Bizimana's father was a perpetrator. Despite their differing backgrounds, they found common ground through youth groups, which helped them integrate into society and engage in conversations about Rwanda's history.

Participants also explored the role of media in the radicalisation and mobilisation leading up to the genocide.

Solange Ayanone, a member of the City of Kigali council and a journalist, revealed how media was used to incite violence before the genocide but noted the significant progress made since then. Today, journalists in Rwanda have greater independence and freedom to report without constraint.

Additionally, Ayanone discussed the responsibility that comes with social media use, urging young people to use platforms to educate others and to prioritize fact-checking.

Albert Rudatsimburwa, a journalist, echoed this sentiment, warning of the dangers of misinformation on social media and encouraging vigilance in sharing accurate information.

The seminars concluded with group discussions, where participants shared their key takeaways and expressed their commitment to promoting a positive and united Rwanda. They highlighted the importance of using social media responsibly and learning from past mistakes to prevent them from happening again.

Parfait Busabizwa, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Arts praised the organizers of the seminars and stressed the role of youth in building Rwanda's future. "The youth represent a reservoir of solutions; they are integral guardians of the future," he said.

Over 60 youth representatives from Rwanda We Want, USAID Dufatanye Urumuri project and the National Youth Council attended "Rwanda Reflect Seminars”. These seminars are set to take place in different provinces during 100 days of this year’s commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi.