Genocide denial and revisionism continue to be a matter of concern in the Rwandan Diaspora community especially in countries like Belgium, France, and DR Congo, harbouring perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and their network of genocide ideologues. Genocide denial, which is mostly deliberate, is the final stage of Genocide. It seeks to minimise the crimes of the perpetrators of the Genocide as well as revise history.

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The New Times’ Jade Natacha Iriza spoke with the Director of the Rwanda Community Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Sandrine Maziyateke Uwimbabazi, to gain insight into efforts being made to address the denial and revisionism – in the Diaspora community – of the 1994 Genocide.

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Uwimbabazi talked about how genocide denial and revisionism appear in different forms, and provided valuable information and perspective on the measures being taken to fight genocide ideology and denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Excerpts;

How prevalent is Genocide denial and ideology within the Rwandan Diaspora Community at present?

Deniers of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi tend to be most active during the commemoration period, utilising sophisticated tactics to distort the historical facts surrounding the tragic event with an intention to deceive those with limited knowledge of the events that led to the Genocide, its victims, and those who ultimately brought it to an end.

It’s the same during this year’s commemoration period, which highlights the need to continue educating and raising awareness about the events that took place during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, especially among young Rwandans born in the diaspora. But nothing out of the ordinary, and nothing that can’t be counteracted.

Which countries currently have the highest instances of Genocide denial and revisionism within their communities? And what does it look like?

I could name a few in no particular order; Belgium, France, and DR Congo, among others. This is particularly because these countries are home to genocidaires who remain at large; or their children who have taken it upon themselves to keep spreading genocide ideology.

Genocide ideology and genocide denial often come in form of writings and speeches. Others will even go as far as hosting commemoration events, where they promote the false narrative of a double genocide or refer to it simply as the ‘Rwandan Genocide’.

Forms of genocide denial also include; among other things, physical, emotional, and mental violence, harming genocide survivors or their properties, and, or, vandalising genocide memorials.

Non-violent forms of denial also include minimising the number of victims, questioning or excusing the intent of the perpetrators, blaming the victims, and, or, spreading conspiracy theories, hate speech, renaming or justifying the Genocide as a whole, which could be referred to as a rebranded form of denying or revisionism.

However, there are encouraging signs of a shift among younger generations who are increasingly rejecting these ideologies, and actually coming to the country to educate themselves.

What are some of these signs?

Over the years, we have observed an increase in active participation among young people in the various programmes we implemented, especially those who were born after the Genocide. Such programmes are Itorero, Youth Connekt, and Umushyikirano, among others.

In some instances, we receive feedback from these young people, who will visit Rwanda on their own, visit Genocide memorials, interact with locals, and then reach out to us directly or share their experiences on social media. We have been heartened to see many individuals express how much their perspectives on Rwanda changed as a result of their interactions and experiences.

Speaking of social media and increased global connectivity, one may wonder whether these developments present a threat or an opportunity in the ongoing fight against Genocide denial.

Social media and increased global interaction can both present a threat and an opportunity in the fight against Genocide denial. On one hand, the proliferation of false information and the ease with which it can be disseminated can serve to amplify the reach of Genocide deniers and revisionists. This can be particularly problematic in the Rwandan Diaspora community, where misinformation can be spread to those who may have limited access to credible information.

On the other hand, social media and global connectivity can also be powerful tools in the fight against Genocide denial. They provide a platform for the dissemination of accurate information and can help to amplify the voices of survivors and advocates who are working to combat denial and revisionism.

So, I think, it is essential that we continue to leverage these tools to promote accurate information, challenge misinformation, and educate the global community about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

What are some ways through which Rwandans, particularly those in the diaspora, can contribute to the fight against Genocide denial?

There are many ways. And it’s a good thing that some have been doing it already. Firstly, to educate themselves and others, by learning about the history of their country, and of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and sharing accurate information to counter the false narratives that are often spread by Genocide deniers.

To speak out against Genocide denial; Rwandans in the diaspora can use their platforms to raise awareness and speak out against Genocide denial whenever they encounter it, whether it’s online or in person.

Participate in commemoration events; by attending commemoration events and supporting initiatives that honour the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwandans can help keep their stories alive and ensure that future generations remember and do not repeat history.

Even for those who are a bit shy to be very vocal on public platforms, just start with your immediate families and stop associating or endorsing genocide deniers. Overall, every Rwandan can play a role in the fight against genocide denial. And, by working together, they can help ensure that the truth about the Genocide is not forgotten or distorted.

· Genocide denial a setback on justice gains – Rwandan diplomat

· The forms of denial of Genocide against Tutsi and its mutation

· Genocide denial: A trigger calling for justice to protect survivors-mental health expert

· Rwandan envoy talks Genocide ideology, denial at University of Edinburgh

· Rwandan envoy responds to Edinburgh University on Genocide denier