During this year's commemoration week for the Genocide against the Tutsi, 2,088 individuals were admitted for trauma and emotional distress, according to Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). Genocide survivors, many of whom endured the loss of entire families, sexual violence, and still live with long-term illnesses, relived experiences trauma they went through. ALSO READ: Which mental health helplines can you use for support during commemoration period? Darious Gishoma, the division manager of mental health at the RBC, said that reports of genocide ideology cases, especially during the Kwibuka week, often trigger setbacks in survivors' healing journeys. During the Kwibuka week from April 7-13, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) reported 82 cases of Genocide ideology and related offences. “You find that someone who has spent years working through their trauma and rebuilding their life may suddenly regress,” Gishoma said. “Some read harmful content on social media and begin to feel insecure, even fearing that such ideologies might be coming back.” ALSO READ: Managing trauma: Health expert weighs in on how to handle emotional distress He explained that emotional distress and trauma manifest differently depending on a person’s background and experiences. He added that for people under 31 years of age who were born after the genocide, trauma often stems from the environment in which they were raised. “For those over 31 who lived through the Genocide, trauma is often rooted in reliving the horrors they experienced, and this group tends to struggle with deep emotional scars from the past,” Gishoma said. “The type of trauma the two groups face requires different therapeutic approaches,” he added. He emphasized that as the country continues the 100-day commemoration period, it is crucial for anyone experiencing symptoms of trauma or emotional distress to seek professional help. “We encourage people to consult a doctor or mental health professional and get the support they need,” he said. Statistics from RBC indicate that people aged over 31 were more affected by trauma and emotional distress, accounting for 85-90 per cent of reported cases. About 10 per cent are younger individuals born after the Genocide. Eastern Province recorded the biggest number of individuals experiencing trauma at 34 per cent, followed by City of Kigali with 23 per cent. Western Province reported 20 per cent of the cases, Southern Province 19 per cent, while Northern Province accounted for 5 per cent.
