Students from the High Learning Institute (INES) in Ruhengeri have committed to fighting against genocide ideology and denial in the country and abroad. The students made the commitment last Friday at an event to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event, held at the university, was attended by university staff, government officials and the neighbouring community. The commemoration was marked by a ‘walk to remember’ march from INES to Muhoza memorial site in Musanze town before mourners gathered at the campus for a night vigil. Theophile Karera, one of the students said, “We know that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi happened, and there are people who, due to their selfish interests, still deny the Genocide…we are the ones to take the lead in fighting its denial.” The students said while some intellectuals participated in the Genocide, their role is to build the nation by fighting against anybody who may want to draw the country back to its dark past.The students committed to fighting genocide ideology, especially through social media. “We have access to social media platforms which are also used by some deniers. We are committed to fighting against all forms of denial through the various channels, we will not allow anyone to destroy Rwanda’s future,” Karera added. Joyce Ishimwe, another student, said there is need to tell the truth about what happened during the Genocide. “Genocide took place when I was very young but I have learnt a lot about it at school and in society. ‘‘I will ensure that what happened, never happens again, my contribution as a student and intellectual is to fight against Genocide denial through use of various ways, including social media.” Dr Father Fabien Hagenimana, the INES rector, said fighting Genocide ideology is everybody’s responsibility. He urged students to use their skills to deal with deniers, saying they have their selfish interests.. Dr Diogène Bideri, the Principal Legal Advisor to the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), said the country had achieved a lot two decades after the Genocide that claimed over one million innocent lives. He urged the students to fight Genocide denial and work toward ensuring that genocide never happens anywhere. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
