Educators in the country have a duty to break the cycle of genocide ideology passed from parents to children, Thierry Murangira, the Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), said on Friday, June 20, as he underscored the delicate yet powerful role educators have in shaping the moral compass of Rwanda's future generations during the closing ceremony of the fourth cohort of Ndi Umunyarwanda, in secondary schools and universities.

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He said: "While some parents may cling to their beliefs, our focus must be on guiding and not poisoning the minds of the youth to ensure they grow confident and resilient enough to reject such dangerous ideology.”

The event, organized by Unity Club, brought together teachers from across the country, students, and officials from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), the Ministry of Youth, the Ministry of Education, and development partners.

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Murangira called on educators to be the nation’s frontline defenders against the remnants of genocide ideology still passed from one generation to another.

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He stressed that while some parents remain resistant to change, schools must be sanctuaries where young minds are nurtured to uphold truth, unity, and critical thinking.

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"If the parents have failed to change, they should not pass on the burden to their children; they should leave them alone,” he emphasized. "Let us, as educators, train ourselves to understand the history better so we can deliver it accurately to the children under our care. Genocide ideology cannot remain hidden for long. If you harbor it, it will eventually expose itself often when you least expect it.”

Murangira cited alarming figures spanning the past five years, from 2019 to 2024, during which Rwanda registered 2,419 genocide ideology-related cases.

A total of 3,192 people were investigated, with 53 per cent of these cases involving violence against genocide survivors. The majority of these offenses occurred in April – during the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi – which saw a 41 per cent spike compared to the average across the remaining 11 months.

The data also revealed a correlation between education level and susceptibility to genocide ideology. Of the total suspects, 1,869 representing 58.6 per cent had only completed primary education. Another 32.3 per cent were completely illiterate.

The prevalence of such cases sharply declined at higher levels of education, reinforcing the transformative role education plays in combating such dangerous beliefs.

"Even if only one person is involved, it is deeply concerning,” Murangira stated. "We should not assess genocide ideology in terms of numbers, but rather through the devastating impact it can have. There must be zero tolerance, both in reporting these cases and ensuring they are prosecuted.”

He warned that genocide ideology is not limited to students. It has, in some cases, infiltrated the minds of educators themselves, he said, and cited instances where teachers promoted revisionist narratives in classrooms.

"One teacher told his students that the Genocide against the Tutsi had both negative and positive effects. He claimed survivors gained education bursaries they would not have otherwise received and argued that some Hutu were unfairly killed. These comments reflect dangerous distortions of history,” he said.

Murangira emphasized that every Rwandan, under the Constitution, bears the duty to combat genocide ideology and denial. He cautioned against confusing personal family history with national history, stating that the two are distinct and must be treated as such.

"There are people who call themselves intellectuals and use that title to craft narratives of genocide denial. No matter what you call yourself, be it politician, analyst, or anonymous social media provocateur, justice will catch up with you. It is only a matter of time.”

Genocide ideology a major barrier to national unity

Echoing Murangira’s concerns, Eric Mahoro, the Permanent Secretary at MINUBUMWE, affirmed that genocide ideology continues to be the leading factor undermining unity and reconciliation efforts in Rwanda.

"Our research reveals that this ideology can be intergenerational, impacting both older individuals and the youth particularly those who still lack accurate information about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” Mahoro said. "This ignorance creates fertile ground for some parents to manipulate their children&039;s views and social media as well.”

He also raised concerns over external threats, noting that hate speech and genocide denial continue to be exported by some regional leaders, thereby influencing vulnerable populations.

"Such rhetoric creates confusion among youth, especially when they are unable to discern truth from propaganda. They begin to lose touch with reality, and that is exactly what we must prevent,” he added.

Nonetheless, Mahoro expressed optimism over Rwanda’s progress in healing and reconciliation.

"Our recent research shows that 97 per cent of Rwandans now place national unity above divisive identities or the legacy of harmful politics that led to the genocide. This is a testament to the impact of Ndi Umunyarwanda programme.”

He noted a growing trend of young people challenging discriminatory narratives, even from their own parents.

"Young people are increasingly holding their elders accountable. They are no longer passively accepting inherited prejudice. This is proof that our nation is progressing, thanks to the proactive engagement of the youth.”

Claudette Irere, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mainstreaming Ndi Umunyarwanda within Rwanda’s education system.

She described schools as pivotal environments where the values of unity must be instilled early.

"A school is where children spend most of their time. That alone means it has either the power to shape a responsible citizen or to corrupt them,” she said.

"It is, therefore, the responsibility of teachers and school leaders to ensure that positive values and accurate history are taught. I do not see how initiatives like Ndi Umunyarwanda can succeed without being prioritized in our schools.”

Irere also urged the youth to take their education seriously, recognizing it as the most effective weapon against ignorance and ideological manipulation.