First Lady Jeannette Kagame has warned that genocide ideology continues to be transmitted across generations, calling on young people to actively reject divisive beliefs that threaten national unity. She said this on May 30 during the 13th edition of Igihango cy’Urungano, an annual youth forum held at the Intare Conference Arena to commemorate young victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Earlier in the day, Mrs. Kagame officially opened the Ntarama Genocide Memorial Gallery at Ntarama Genocide Memorial Site in Bugesera District. ALSO READ: Igihango cy’Urungano: Honouring the past, safeguarding the future Held under the theme “Youth, let us fight genocide ideology and promote unity and resilience,” the forum provides a platform for young people to reflect on Rwanda’s history, strengthen their commitment to national unity, and safeguard the country’s progress to ensure that Genocide never happens again. “As we remember, today is not only about reflecting on the painful history we endured. It is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to protecting our unity and continuing to build the Rwanda we aspire to have,” the First Lady said. She noted that 32 years have passed since the Genocide against the Tutsi was stopped and Rwanda began rebuilding a nation that every citizen can be proud to call home, stressing that safeguarding unity requires continuous engagement with the country’s history. “Changing the harmful mindsets that were taught for many years and became deeply rooted requires time and effort. Genocide ideology was passed from one generation to another, which is why it can still be found among some young people today,” she said. “We have seen where that led us as a country and the consequences we continue to face today. Many of you ask how we ended up here. I encourage you to also ask yourselves how we move forward,” she added. ALSO READ: First Lady urges youth to be critical thinkers, fight Genocide denialism The First Lady acknowledged that some young people may receive different narratives within their families, noting that some households still harbour genocide ideology. “However, love for our families should never prevent us from putting Rwanda first, because Rwanda is the cradle that carries us all.” She also encouraged young people to deepen their understanding of Rwanda’s history through visiting memorial sites, listening to testimonies from survivors, and reading historical accounts. “Today, you are the guardians who will shape the Rwanda of today and tomorrow,” she said. Jean-Damascène Bizimana, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, said the Genocide against the Tutsi was preceded by decades of divisive ideology that portrayed one group as a threat to another. He said that from 1957, hate-based politics promoted narratives portraying Tutsi as foreigners and excluding them from education and employment opportunities, while reinforcing ethnic division in both the First and Second Republics. Bizimana added that this environment was further shaped by political decisions in the 1980s and early 1990s, alongside state-aligned media messages that incited hatred, and preparations for violence including militia training and distribution of weapons. He said such developments ultimately contributed to the conditions that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “This history is important because it helps young people understand how poor leadership led Rwanda into division and discrimination that paved the way for the Genocide. It also helps them distinguish between destructive leadership and leadership that ended the Genocide, built unity, and prioritises Ndi Umunyarwanda. This awareness will help youth protect what has been achieved and continue building on it.”
