The fight against genocide denial, revisionism must become a day-to-day reality

As Rwanda continues to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, young people have a responsibility to use digital platforms to spread the testimonies of what happened during the Genocide, offer comfort messages to survivors, and combat genocide denial. This collective effort to fight against genocide and its denial must become a day-to-day reality. ALSO READ: Diaspora couple on confronting genocide denial abroad, narrating their own story Genocide denial is the final stage of a genocidal process. It is the ultimate stage after classification, symbolization, discrimination, dehumanization, organization, polarization, preparation, persecution, and extermination, as highlighted by scholar Greg Straton. In this digital era, we are witnessing genocide deniers using social media to spread hate messages and deny the Genocide against the Tutsi. President Paul Kagame, in his speech at the start of the 30th commemoration, stated that ‘‘Nearly three-quarters of Rwandans today are under age 35. They either have no memory of the genocide or were not yet born. Our youth are the guardians of our future and the foundation of our unity, with a mindset that is different from the generation before.’’ ALSO READ: A look at Genocide in Rwandan literature over past 30 years He added that ‘‘Today, it is all Rwandans who have conquered fear. Nothing can be worse than what we have already experienced. This is a nation of 14 million people, who are ready to confront any attempt to take us backwards.’’ President Kagame's message gives young people the responsibility to act and tell the right story of what happened during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and embrace the use of social media to fight against the denial of the Genocide. We understand our history better and are well-positioned to share what happened. Linda Melvern, a British investigative journalist and author, in her book, Intent to Deceive: Denying the Genocide of the Tutsi, has a chapter on the topic of denial. She wrote that at the centre of the denial of the genocide against the Tutsi was the idea that far from any planning, the killings of civilians from April to July 1994 resulted from a spontaneous uprising. This position, she wrote, was most eloquently outlined in the United Nations Security Council even as the crime took place, and was written into diplomatic telegrams, letters, and cables. Genocide denial dehumanizes survivors and victims, denying them recognition and justice. It also hinders the fight against impunity for genocide and associated crimes, as well as reconciliation and healing. ALSO READ: Renewed calls to end hate speech, dehumanisation Recently, the son of former President Juvenal Habyarimana – the genocide was planned during his reign – took to social media to explain how the genocide against the Tutsi was sparked by his father's death, despite historical evidence showing that the genocide was planned long before. ALSO READ: Habyarimana's role in planning, implementing 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi Genocide deniers use propaganda tactics on the internet to spread lies about the cause of the Genocide against the Tutsi. With the rise of social media as a platform for genocide denial, especially during commemoration periods, it is crucial for the youth to share the truth about what happened and challenge deniers with facts and testimonies. In her recent Op-Ed, Her Excellency First Lady Jeannette Kagame states that: “I write, because I can’t help but wonder...When will enough be enough? “Sadly, it seems that every commemoration, some require us to repeat ourselves on a fact otherwise accepted by all, as it pertains to other genocides throughout world history. This injustice remains ever disappointing, but no longer surprising.” Rest assured; Rwandans may be grieving, but we will never be too tired to tell the truth, not when we know the deadly cost of lies of the kind that are still spread, across the region, today. ALSO READ: Umulinga launches book on healing, forgiveness Young people should not wait for others to share the truth, as we can speak out and comfort the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi. With access to information, Rwandan youth are in a prime position to spread awareness and share the stories of resilience. As technology advances, young people can easily access and share information through digital platforms, allowing them to give back by sharing testimonies and facts about the Genocide against the Tutsi. As most young people are connected to different digital platforms, they should use these platforms to share accurate information about the Genocide against the Tutsi and challenge deniers with facts and testimonies. Silencing genocide deniers or ideologists requires disqualifying their false words with the truth. To get facts, the youth can interact with the older generation, the survivors, the rescuers, and also read available literature with the truth on the Genocide against the Tutsi and the country’s history. Twibuke Twiyubaka

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The fight against genocide denial, revisionism must become a day-to-day reality