The Genocide against the Tutsi is one of the darkest periods in human history and Genocide denial is still a reality. The post-independence historical injustices against the Tutsi through evil practices of divide and rule were a fatal mistake. Colonial policies of divide and rule turned Rwanda social classes and means of production into ethnic differences – which post-independent governments put into action. Subsequently, Rwandans got divided in a manner that did not serve their interests and in disregard of their connected history. Divide and rule was a dangerous weapon used to destroy social forms of interaction and production – which are the real basics of Rwandans’ survival. The hate speeches of post-independence governments with the support of foreign actors led to discrimination, refugees and the killing of the Tutsi.

Genocide deniers present the shooting down of former President Juvenal Habyarimana’s plane as the cause of the Genocide against the Tutsi, irrespective of it being planned, institutionalised and executed prior to plane crash.

The Rwandan government established an independent commission chaired by Hon. Jean de Dieu Mucyo (RIP), with a responsibility to gather evidence of the role of France in the planning and execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The commission started its work in May 2006 and produced its report on November 15, 2007. The report showed that the French government had information about the planning of Genocide against the Tutsi, participated in the planning activities of the Genocide and actively participated in the execution of the crime.

Again, the Rwandan government instituted an independent committee of experts chaired by former Chief Justice Dr Jean Mutsinzi (RIP), with a mandate to conduct detailed investigation into the shooting down of the plane carrying former President Habyarimana Juvenal on April 6, 1994. The committee started its work on December 1, 2007, with the objective to collect and analyse information on the shooting down of the plane, show reasons for the attack and to indicate those who participated in it. The findings of the inquiry showed that the shooting down of former president Juvenal Habyarimana’s plane was planned and executed by the then Rwanda army (Ex-FAR).

Also, the French President Emanuel Macron established a research commission led by Dr Vincent Duclert on April 05, 2019 to study French documents on Rwanda and the Genocide against the Tutsi. The commission investigated and analysed documents on Rwanda and the Genocide against the Tutsi in their archives, by highlighting the role of France before and during the genocide against the Tutsi. The findings of the research commission were presented to President Emanuel Macron on 26th March 2021 and the findings indicated that French leadership had a role in the genocide against the Tutsi because they failed to listen to what was happening and actively participated in the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Genocide denial narratives destabilise and inflict trauma to Genocide survivors and victims in their lives. The abuse of survivors and victims’ properties like crops, animals and houses, and disrespect of the symbols of Genocide against the Tutsi like memorial sites, monuments, is still a concern. Genocide deniers hide information on the remains of Tutsis who were killed during the Genocide and attempt to deflect attention. Genocide perpetrators continue to escape justice by roaming freely in foreign countries with impunity and continue to use social media platforms to propagate genocide ideology. Some have Gacaca court rulings against them, which include imprisonment and paying back survivors’ property, while negative foreign revisionists provide Genocide deniers with social media platforms to promote false information.   

As Rwanda prepares for the 28th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is humanity’s collective obligation to fight genocide ideology and denial. Ownership and commitment to amplify the voices to confront the narratives of genocide ideology and denial across all sectors is fundamental. The academics, civil society, think-tanks and editorial lines must continue to generate proper and correct information for the young generation so that they are not confused and misled. The teachings of Rwandan values, through Ndi Umunyarwanda programme and Itorero, should be enhanced to help bring about clarity about the ugly past and forge a united future. Teaching genocide studies in schools, higher institutions of learning, walk to remember activities and community anti-genocide clubs efforts should be encouraged. The digitization of genocide survivors and victims’ testimonies and memorial sites is essential for global use and social media platforms like YouTube, twitter, Facebook, Instagram should be encouraged.

The writer is Executive Secretary, Northern Province. 

The views expressed in this article are of the writer.