The Minister for National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascene Bizimana, has urged 653 genocide convicts nearing the end of their sentences to accept the truth as a foundation for healing and rebuilding the country. ALSO READ: Responsible citizenship is the only good choice, genocide convicts told as release nears He delivered the message during a reintegration programme organised by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) on Friday, February 13 at Nyamasheke correctional facility in Western Province. In his speech, he stressed that reconciliation cannot happen without acknowledging personal responsibility for the crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “Accepting responsibility for your role in the Genocide against the Tutsi is the first step toward healing from the harmful ideology that fuelled it,” he noted. According to Bizimana, true reintegration begins when one openly admits: “The genocide I committed was inhumane. I betrayed humanity. I committed genocide, and genocide must never happen again.” ALSO READ: Study shows strong post-genocide resilience among Rwandans The minister added that confronting the truth of history helps defeat denial, strengthen the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme, and guide former offenders toward genuine transformation. CGP Evariste Murenzi, Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service, said the efforts to train the convicts ahead of the competition of their jail terms has had good results. He noted that very few participants reoffend compared to those released before the programme was introduced. Since March 2025, 1,184 inmates including 1,081 men and 103 women have undergone the training. Local leaders say successful reintegration requires both acceptance of truth and community support. Narcisse Mupenzi, Mayor of Nyamasheke District, urged those returning to actively participate in community life, warning that isolation can lead individuals backward. Representing trainees, Thadeé Nzeyimana from Huye District said the programme instilled values that will guide them as they reintegrate into the society. Participants pledged to reject genocide ideology, promote national unity and work with communities to preserve the country’s achievements.
