Responsible citizenship is the only good choice, genocide convicts told as release nears

A total of 653 convicts of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who are nearing the end of their sentences at are taking part in training programme before reintegration into the society, at the Nyamasheke Correctional Facility. This is the sixth edition of the training, which was launched by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement on January 21, and will go until 13th February. Participants have been urged to take the training seriously, as it is intended to help them become responsible citizens. They were reminded that embracing this programme is the only constructive path forward, and that disregarding it would amount to wasting time, as any alternative efforts would ultimately be unsuccessful. At least 1,186 people have completed training under this programme. https://x.com/i/status/2013961918856253567 The 2025 National Unity Barometer shows strong progress in unity and reconciliation. Unity and reconciliation scored 95.3 per cent, while resilience scored 90.8 per cent. All respondents (100 per cent) said they are proud to be Rwandan and believe that Kinyarwanda strongly unites the nation. Most respondents equivalent to 97 per cent agreed that Rwanda’s leaders serve all citizens equally, without discrimination, and that leaders represent the whole population, not any ethnic group. However, the barometer also revealed some challenges, including the fact that some individuals released after serving sentences for genocide-related crimes continue to cling to genocide ideology and hate speech. ALSO READ: Study shows strong post-genocide resilience among Rwandans “You should take this opportunity as your last chance, because the country has given equal opportunities to everyone. This will help you get rid of any form of genocide ideology,” said Eric Mahoro, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement. “We expect you to be productive once you are released. Your families, the community, and genocide victims are all waiting for you to become responsible citizens. Be fruitful and vigilant, and do not fall into negative ideologies,” he added. This cohort is among those with the largest number of participants. It includes 11 people in their 40s, 178 in their 50s, 288 in their 60s, 149 in their 70s, and 20 in their 80s. Among them, four participants were sentenced to 0–14 years, 55 to 15–18 years, 425 to 19 years, 19 to 20–25 years, 24 to 26–29 years, and 128 to 30 years. Out of 30 districts, Karongi is expected to receive the highest number with 46 individuals, followed by Gasabo with 45, Nyanza with 44, Rutsiro and Gisagara with 36 each, while Burera District will receive one person. Mahoro explained that the training is designed to support those with no more than six months remaining to reintegrate into Rwandan society and live peacefully with their families, survivors of the crimes they committed, and the wider community. “The program prepares them to return to society without threatening Rwanda’s unity, reconciliation, and resilience. It also helps them regain love for their country, respect national values, and understand Rwanda’s path of development and good governance as well as guidance on their role in building peace, social cohesion they once harmed in 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” he said. Mahoro noted that some Genocide convicts have refused to change completely. Evidence shows that some have used words that downplay the seriousness of the crimes they committed, including statements such as, “I know where I left my bed in jail”, “the government deceived me”, “I didn’t kill; I just shouted and mocked Tutsi”, and so much more. Such remarks reflect negative attitudes and are a waste of time, instead they should catch up with the country’s pace of development. “These words show someone who has not genuinely changed. Such slogans can endanger young people, who may believe their parents were treated unjustly, which can become an obstacle to knowing the truth. You need to change sincerely, because the community expects you to be good citizens once you are released,” he added. ALSO READ: How ‘Mvura Nkuvure’ programme has enhanced cohesion, reconciliation According to a recent report by the Rwanda Correctional Service, over 65,000 people (75%) have completed their sentences. Approximately 16,000 (22%) are still in prison awaiting release, while approximately 4,295 (3%) have been sentenced to life imprisonment. 457 people are currently incarcerated for genocide ideology. Athanasie Mukankusi, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Nyamasheke District, noted that previously released genocide convicts have shown progress in their respective communities. Any cases observed mainly involved those who were released earlier, before the programme was introduced, henceforth, the need to prioritise and take seriously those currently benefiting from the initiative. “We monitor them once they are released. We meet them monthly for civic education sessions that emphasise social cohesion. Attendance is important and mandatory, and we guide them in all aspects to ensure they do not fall into the same traps again. They are expected to be good, productive citizens,” she said.

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Responsible citizenship is the only good choice, genocide convicts told as release nears