A new civil society-led investigation has revealed a concerning resurgence of genocide ideology and hate speech in Rwanda, driven largely by regional geopolitical tensions and unchecked narratives about the Genocide against the Tutsi, which are circulated in the diaspora. Presented to Parliament on Monday, May 5, the study findings by Never Again Rwanda, an NGO, highlight the role of external influences in fueling trauma across generations and the need for a coordinated national response. Appearing before the Committee on National Unity, Human Rights and the Fight against Genocide, Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa, executive director of Never Again Rwanda, said that the organization's research in 22 districts involved 490 community groups and over 10,500 respondents, who revealed a troubling external influence on the persistent genocide ideology in the country. ALSO READ: PDI party leader on why Genocide ideology cannot be ignored “Due to digital transformation, people in neighboring countries and in the diaspora are spreading Genocide ideology and hate speech, which aggravates the intergenerational of trauma,” Ryarasa told the MPs, during a session on the implementation of the National Policy on Unity and Reconciliation. “Recent geopolitical tensions, especially with Burundi and DR Congo, are affecting what Rwanda has built in terms of unity and reconciliation,” he said. The research showed that Genocide ideology mainly is passed down from parents to children and is manifested among the youth who study abroad, where they are often exposed to toxic narratives,” he added. ALSO READ: Politicians urged to renew efforts to fight against genocide ideology According to Ryarasa, the situation demands a rethinking of civic education programmes like Itorero ry’Igihugu. He called for a policy-backed curriculum starting at the primary school level to counter early exposure to divisive ideologies. “The Itorero ry’Igihugu only runs for about three weeks and it is not enough,” said Ryarasa. “Eradicating Genocide ideology is a continuous exercise. Although our country has achieved 94 per in unity and reconciliation, the political landscape in neighboring countries and the influence of the diaspora, especially via social media, remains a threat.” The latest report by Never Again Rwanda underscores the broader regional implications of hate speech, and “a toxic climate of hate and impunity” in DR Congo, where entire communities are portrayed as threats, fueling ethnic violence and hardening intergroup grievances. These dynamics, amplified by digital platforms, have continued to place Tutsi communities at risk and undermined peacebuilding efforts. Members of Parliament echoed Ryarasa’s concerns and emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to strengthen the gains made in reconciliation. “Intergenerational transmission of trauma must be addressed, as highlighted in the research and we need to identify early warning signs to intervene effectively,” said MP Philbert Uwiringiyimana. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s concerns must be addressed along with DR Congo’s issues, Kagame says MP Benoit Senani emphasized the importance of youth-focused strategies, warning that in spite of various initiatives, some young people continued to hold on to genocide ideology. “The future of this country lies in the hands of the youth. We must know where to concentrate our efforts. Civil society must show us where we’re falling short so we can reinforce our national resilience,” Senani said.
