The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascène Bizimana, has called on young people to take an active role in the upcoming commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, urging them not only to participate in remembrance activities but also to stand at the forefront of defending the truth about Rwanda’s history.
The minister who attended the Gen Z Comedy Show on Thursday, March 26, reiterated that youth have a critical responsibility to confront and correct misinformation and distortion often amplified by anti-Rwanda voices, especially during the 32nd commemoration period (Kwibuka32).
"Amplify truth and counter false narratives by those who distort information and spread misinformation about the actual leadership of Rwanda,” he told the audience at the comedy show.
Bizimana encouraged the youth to make effective use of social media platforms to share accurate information, highlight Rwanda’s progress, and showcase the country’s unity and achievements.
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He noted that young people can play a decisive role in preserving memory, promoting national cohesion, and ensuring that the reality of Rwanda, its leadership, resilience, and transformation, is clearly understood both locally and globally.
Bizimana said it was the responsibility of every Rwandan to preserve the country’s history, promote unity, and reject divisionism and genocide ideology.
He noted that remembrance honors over one million victims killed in the Genocide, while strengthening the commitment to ensure it never happens again. "A society that does not remember is bound to perish,” she said.
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"You will witness misinformation claiming there is a lack of freedom in the country, that there is no liberty, and unfortunately, some of those people are here in Rwanda. That’s where you need to step in,” he said.
He encouraged them to highlight inclusive government programs such as community-based health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), Girinka programme, and the expansion of water and electricity access, as well as broader socioeconomic development efforts under Vision 2050 aimed at ensuring sustainable progress for every Rwandan.
"They must not overpower you with numbers. You may choose not to go too deep into history, but use the vivid examples available. There are plenty of them. Those who speak ill of Rwanda should instead be encouraged to come and join us in building it together,” he noted.
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The Minister also addressed the gap between generations in understanding history, emphasizing ongoing efforts to strengthen intergenerational dialogue so that elders can pass on accurate historical knowledge to the youth.
Bizimana explained that the reintegration programme for ex-genocide convicts aims to prepare them to return responsibly to society. Launched in March 2025, the program has so far trained 2,103 participants—1,899 men and 204 women.
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"Some of you may have parents who were convicted of genocide perpetration, and it may bring you shame, even though it wasn’t your choice. However, some parents also distort information and misrepresent it to influence their children into glorifying their bad deeds,” he said.
"Those who were convicted are given a second chance to correct themselves, tell the truth, and use the time to rebuild what they destroyed,” he added.