Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force, on Wednesday, April 23, called on students at Green Hills Academy to challenge denialist narratives about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed more than one million lives. Rwivanga, who spoke during a ceremony held at the school to mark the 31st commemoration of the Genocide (Kwibuka31), reminded the students about the role young people can play in combating denial, especially by using modern communication technologies. ALSO READ: Experts tip Rwandan youth on combatting genocide denial online In his lecture, titled Modern Denial by Propagandists Abroad: Exploring How the Youth Can Contribute to Being Agents of Truth and Influence Global Perceptions of the Genocide against the Tutsi,” the military leader noted that despite decades of documented truth and international recognition, there are still propagandists, especially abroad, who continue to distort or deny the reality of the genocide. He urged students to actively challenge such narratives, particularly in the digital space where misinformation spreads quickly. By using social media and other online platforms, young people can become powerful advocates for truth and remembrance, ensuring that the world does not forget or misrepresent what occurred in 1994, Rwivanga said. ALSO READ: Healing across generations: How to share Genocide stories with youth Jacky Uwimana, the Vice Principal of Green Hills Academy, highlighted the importance of each individual's role in building a better future and preventing similar atrocities from occurring elsewhere in the world. This year, Rwanda marks 31 year after the Genocide against the Tutsi was stopped by RPA fighters. The Genocide, a result of decades of ethnic discrimination, was implemented by the genocidal government and the Interahamwe militia. Every year, from April 7, Rwanda marks 100 days of commemoration, with Rwandans in the country and abroad organizing Kwibuka events to reflect on the massacre and recommit to the fight against the its denial and genocide ideology. In 2014, the United Nations as designated April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
