The findings from the Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer released this last weekend by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement offer a powerful testament to how far this nation has come. The report, which was released during the 18th edition of the Unity Club Intwararumuri Annual Forum, shows that national unity and reconciliation now stand at an impressive 95 percent, a milestone that reflects the collective will of Rwandans to heal, rebuild, and move forward together. This achievement is not merely a statistic. It is a living story of resilience, of people who refused to be defined by division and instead chose to build a shared destiny. ALSO READ: ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ is the bond we share, the legacy we leave, says First Lady From the ashes of unimaginable tragedy, Rwanda has emerged as one of the most cohesive and forward-looking societies on the continent. The sense of unity that now binds Rwandans is the foundation on which every aspect of our progress stands. It is this unity that has enabled the country to deliver consistent development, maintain peace, and inspire confidence among both citizens and partners. Without unity, there is no development. Without reconciliation, there is no peace. The two are inseparable pillars upon which the Rwanda of today rests. But while this achievement deserves to be celebrated, it should not breed complacency. Unity is not an event. It is a continuous process that demands vigilance, humility, and deliberate effort from all of us. The history of this country painfully reminds us of what happens when division takes root and hate is allowed to flourish. The price Rwandans paid for lack of unity was unimaginably heavy, and it is a price no generation should ever have to pay again. Therefore, even as we take pride in the progress reflected in the barometer, every Rwandan must remember that sustaining unity requires conscious work. It calls for empathy in our interactions, fairness in our institutions, and truth in our conversations. It demands that we reject all forms of discrimination and resist any seeds of division, however small or subtle. The remarkable strides made in fostering reconciliation prove that when united, there is no challenge too great for Rwandans to overcome. Yet the same journey also teaches that the moment we take unity for granted, we risk losing everything we have worked for. National unity must therefore forever remain our guiding light — a value to protect, nurture, and pass on to future generations.
