The government has launched nationwide consultations on a Draft National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Hate Speech (2026–2031), a strategy that seeks to reduce reported hate speech incidents by 70 per cent by 2031.

The draft plan was presented on June 18 during the commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, held under the theme: "The Power of Partnerships in Countering Hate Speech.”

Among its immediate priorities are the establishment of a National Hate Speech Coordination Committee chaired by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), a monitoring and rapid response desk, a nationwide baseline assessment on hate speech trends, and a specialised hate speech investigation unit within the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) equipped with digital forensic capabilities.

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The plan also proposes victim-friendly reporting hotlines in all districts and stronger engagement with major technology companies, including Meta, Google and X, on content moderation.

A growing digital challenge

Eric Mahoro, Permanent Secretary at MINUBUMWE, said Rwanda&039;s history places a special responsibility on the country to lead efforts against hate speech.

"Having experienced the devastating consequences of unchecked hate speech, Rwanda has not only the right but also the moral and legal obligation to be at the forefront of prevention efforts,” he said.

Since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has established legal and policy frameworks to combat genocide ideology, hate speech and related crimes. However, Mahoro warned that the threat persists, particularly in digital spaces.

"Hate speech has evolved and taken new forms, amplified by digital technologies and social media platforms. We continue to witness campaigns that deny and distort the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, including propaganda linked to genocide denial networks operating across borders,” he said.

He also pointed to politically motivated attacks that conceal ethnic hatred through coded language, noting that content shared in Kinyarwanda can be difficult for automated moderation systems to detect.

Youth-led digital peacebuilding

The action plan will be supported by the Preventing Hate Speech and Promoting Digital Peacebuilding in Rwanda project, implemented by Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle (VJN).

Brother Vital Ringuyeneza, VJN’s Executive Director, said the initiative seeks to counter hate speech, misinformation and divisive narratives through youth engagement, digital literacy and positive online communication.

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A key component is the creation of a network of 100 Digital Peace Ambassadors drawn from youth organisations, universities, civil society groups, media houses and social media influencers.

"The ambassadors have been trained in digital literacy, peace messaging and strategies for countering harmful online narratives. Words have power. They can divide or unite, destroy or heal, spread hatred or inspire hope,” Ringuyeneza said.

Stakeholders call for stronger action

Participants in the consultations stressed the need for stronger prevention, monitoring and enforcement measures.

Prosecutor General Angélique Habyarimana said public recommendations would help strengthen the plan, while emphasising the need to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in online genocide ideology and hate speech, including those operating from abroad.

"We need a campaign against hate speech and must target those who appear to be hired to spread genocide ideology and hate speech,” said Chief Superintendent of Police Hillary Emmanuel Sengabo, spokesperson for the Rwanda Correctional Service.

Rwanda Governance Board Secretary-General Edward Kalisa called for a dedicated national programme to combat hate speech.

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Scovia Mutesi, Chairperson of the Rwanda Media Commission, proposed establishing a network of genocide prevention and hate speech experts to support journalists with accurate information and effective counter-narratives.

"Young people are highly active on online platforms where such hate speech is prevalent. They need to be engaged and equipped with historical knowledge so they can challenge false narratives with evidence,” said Enock Byukusenge, an alumnus of Itorero Indangamirwa.

Dominique Kubwimana, a social media influencer and Digital Peace Ambassador, added that many young people use social media extensively but lack sufficient knowledge about genocide and hate speech, a gap he said should be addressed through the action plan.

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WHAT IS HATE SPEECH?

Experts say hate speech can take many forms and occur in different contexts.

Researcher Dr Eric Ndushabandi defines hate speech as any communication, whether in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses discriminatory language against a person or group based on religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender or another identity factor.

Brother Vital Ringuyeneza said hate speech in Rwanda extends beyond genocide ideology and can manifest through social exclusion and discrimination in everyday life.

"Sometimes people choose to associate only with those they consider part of their group, reject others, or make decisions based on divisions rather than shared values,” he said.

While such behaviour may appear insignificant, Ringuyeneza warned that it can gradually fuel prejudice and social fragmentation.

"If these behaviours are not moderated, they can become an ideology. People start hating others, separating themselves from them, and eventually it can lead to harmful words, actions and behaviours.”

He noted that genocide-related hate speech remains a particular concern because some individuals continue to deny or distort the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and threaten survivors.

The rapid spread of information through social media has made the challenge more urgent.

"Technology does not have boundaries. We need to educate people to distinguish between true and false information so that we can protect our society,” he said.

Mahoro stressed that combating hate speech requires both prevention and accountability.

"Hate speech often begins as a mindset. It develops through repeated messages, attitudes and beliefs before it is deliberately used as a tool to harm others. That is why prevention, education and counter-speech are just as important as punishment.”

He added: "Freedom of expression does not protect speech that denies or distorts genocide, dehumanises people based on identity, or incites discrimination and violence. Hate speech is not free speech.”