Rwandans, especially the youth, must actively defend the truth, combat genocide denial, and ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a slogan but a lived national commitment, said Marie-Solange Kayisire, First Vice Chairperson of Unity Club and Minister of State for Local Government. She said this as members of Unity Club Intwararumuri honoured more than 45,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi laid to rest at Nyamata Genocide Memorial in Bugesera District. ALSO READ: Intwararumuri stands with Intwaza of Huye Impinganzima during Kwibuka 31 The Memorial, once a church where over 10,000 people were killed, is among four genocide memorials in Rwanda inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Unity Club Intwararumuri was founded, and is led, by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, who has championed its vision since 1996. Kayisire emphasised on the dual role she and others carry today, not only as national leaders with various responsibilities, but also as Intwararumuri, a role that comes with the duty of educating the youth about the meaning of carrying that flame: promoting unity, resilience among Rwandans, and fighting against genocide ideology. She also referenced remarks made by President Paul Kagame at the beginning of the 100 Days of Commemoration, where he said that lies continue to be given a platform while the truth is ignored. “This is happening in our region, and we must constantly remind ourselves that defending our right to exist is a choice we must make,” she said. Kayisire stressed the collective responsibility to combat genocide denial by teaching accurate history to the youth and standing up against efforts to distort Rwanda’s past. “We will continue to fight for truth to be given the space it deserves, both within Rwanda and globally. Especially through social media, where many of those who deny the genocide are active. These platforms spread both harmful and positive information quickly, so we must use them to promote accurate and constructive messages,” she added ALSO READ: How Rwandan youth are using social media to fight Genocide ideology Julienne Murorunkwere, a survivor of the Genocide, lost her entire family in Nyamata during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She was the only one who survived despite being struck on the head and left for dead, enduring long-term injuries. After the genocide, she returned to school and gradually rebuilt her life. “When the Inkotanyi came, they brought back hope. Today I have a family. I am married with 3 children. But above all, this country gave me a reason to live again. Even though I lost my entire family, I’m alive because of this nation, and because of those who stood with us during commemoration.” Today, Murorunkwere serves as the Bugesera District Psychologist at Avega Agahozo. “I am still here, and I will continue contributing to this country, especially to support the lives of Rwandans who are still suffering or burdened by this painful history so they, too, can keep going,” she added. Vincent Karega, the Ambassador-at-Large for the Great Lakes Region, gave a discussion where he noted that it was the colonial powers (Belgium) who introduced ethnic divisions, disrupting the unity that existed during the era of the Rwandan Kingdom. ALSO READ: Amb Karega: Belgium’s colonial divide is root cause of genocide ideology in region Karega continued to stress that genocide ideology is something that often begins in families. He said that while it has decreased in Rwanda, it has not been fully eradicated in the region. “It still exists, especially in neighbouring countries like DR Congo, where colonial powers like the Belgians also exported the same divisive ideologies,” he said. He called on Rwandans to take collective responsibility in the fight against genocide ideology. “We have a duty to fight this ideology within our families, in our country, and even globally.” Karega emphasised that remembrance serves to educate the younger generation about the past, helping them prevent its repetition.
