Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Minister of Youth and Arts, has encouraged the youth to reject the notion that they're too young to make a difference. By understanding history and commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, they pave the way for a brighter future, he told hundreds of members of the Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP), a youth organization committed to unity, peace, and development, as they convened on April 12 at Kigali Marriott Hotel for their annual Ku Gicaniro (Bonfire) event. The event held under the theme: Rising from ashes: 30 years of resilience and renewal, aims to commemorate 30 years after 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, educate the youth about the causes and consequences of genocide highlighting the youth's role and responsibility in preventing such atrocities now and in the future. Utumatwishima said that 30 years after the Genocide, the youth only have one task, to foster unity and love as a counterforce to the legacy of hatred preached for so long. He noted: For the past 30 years, we've witnessed the potential for fostering love. The first love we witnessed was through the dedication of the Inkotanyi army, comprised young individuals who halted the Genocide against the Tutsi. Despite facing immense challenges, including loss of lives and injuries, their sacrifice exemplifies the deep-rooted love Rwandans have for one another. The second love emerged when the Genocide ended. The country's leaders committed to healing the wounds of the survivors and offering hope for a future without suffering. Additionally, families of those involved in the Genocide were approached with compassion, urging them to collaborate in building a unified Rwanda, free from divisions. He said the third love ensures that all citizens have equal access to the benefits of the country, with anti-segregation institutions in place. Your achievements are solely based on your abilities. But the greatest love witnessed is the one President Paul Kagame has for Rwandans, he added, noting that the President loves children, the weak, and parents. He wants Rwandans to learn, be valued and respected globally while safeguarding their security. Fostering love is a collective responsibility. Combat division, bullying, persecution, isolation, and discrimination wherever they arise, he said. Utumatwishima urged the youth to pursue knowledge to prevent falling prey to deception, bribery, and betrayal. By avoiding such traps, they safeguard themselves from being pulled into joining genocide denial groups and losing their Rwandan identity. ALSO READ: Reflections on Kwibuka 30: Emotions, defiance, and our unwavering resolve During the event, talented youth took the stage, delivered wonderful performances, including poetry, music, and theater. Plays like Let me talk to you and I wasn't there paid tribute to the millions of lives cut short during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while engaging the audience in understanding the past so as to pave the way for a brighter future. ALSO READ: Genocide cannot be mentioned in isolation, without adding the targeted group Lonzen Rugira, a researcher, was one of the panelists discussing Rising from ashes: 30 years of resilience and renewal. When asked about his vision for Rwanda in 30 years, Rugira said that achieving the Rwanda of our dreams requires deliberate effort, particularly from the youth. The Rwanda we dream of can never be there by accident. He noted: Youth are required to run the next marathon towards development. By owning the problem and understanding that the Genocide against Tutsi is part of our history, and have a collective consciousness and know the right attitude towards the survivors. Having a mindset that for genocide to occur, something went wrong in the past and that responsibility that affirms that narrative, is the only starting point for the youth. Young people must have a collective consciousness that confirms that it was a big problem and the problem was because we were divided.
