From DR Congo’s jungles to Rwanda’s future: Youth urged to safeguard unity, reject genocide ideology

Minister of youth and arts Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima has urged young people at Mutobo Demobilisation Centre to remain vigilant against genocide ideology, warning that Rwanda’s achievements must not lead to complacency. ALSO READ: Why genocide ideology doesn’t dissolve three decades after dispersion of genocidaires Speaking to the youth participating in a reintegration programme - who make up the vast majority of the centre’s 77th cohort - at the centre in Musanze District, on June 12, he called on them to take responsibility as guardians of national unity, truth, and progress. Utumatwishima said: “Our achievements should not make us complacent. We must remain vigilant. We must continue to fight against the ideology of genocide wherever it comes from. No one else will do it for us; it is our collective responsibility.” ALSO READ: Restoring agaciro: a visit to Mutobo Demobilization Center The minister was also addressing members of Unity Club Intwararumuri, government officials, and former members of armed groups who had gathered for a dialogue on the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s journey toward unity and resilience. ALSO READ: Over 200 ex-FDLR combatants reintegrated back in society Utumatwishima emphasised the importance of passing on an accurate understanding of Rwanda’s history to younger generations. “Although some elders played a role in destroying Rwandans and encouraging division, others taught young people courage and patriotism. They contributed to stopping the Genocide, liberating the country, and building the Rwanda we know today,” he said. ALSO READ: Selective accountability will not bring peace to eastern DR Congo “You too should grow up understanding where the country came from, where it is today, where it is heading, and your responsibility in continuing to build a united, secure, and developed nation.” He noted that discussions such as those held at Mutobo provide an opportunity for genocide survivors and returnees to share their experiences while helping others better understand Rwanda’s history and the dangers of genocide ideology. ALSO READ: The Great Lakes challenge: A genocide ideology and complicity The minister described Mutobo as a powerful symbol of Rwanda’s post-genocide choices. “It is proof that Rwanda chose to build rather than destroy, to unite rather than divide, and to provide opportunities rather than exclude,” he said. Utumatwishima also addressed questions surrounding Rwanda’s continued efforts to welcome back citizens returning from armed groups more than three decades after the Genocide against the Tutsi. “Rwanda does not view its citizens as enemies but rather as people who can contribute to building the country,” he said. “Among these returnees are those who were abducted as children, those born in the jungles, and those who have lived for years under false narratives about their homeland.” The facility in Mutobo currently hosts 682 individuals in its 77th reintegration cohort. According to Valérie Nyirahabineza, the Chairperson of Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), the group comprises 203 former combatants, 59 civilians associated with armed groups, 37 child ex-combatants, and 383 family members. She noted that 90 per cent of those currently at the centre are young people born in DR Congo to families linked to the Kinshasa-backed genocidal FDLR militia. “When returnees arrive here, many come with fear because they have been misled into believing they will be harmed if they return to Rwanda,” Nyirahabineza said. “As time passes, they realise they were misled. They begin to open up and share the realities of life within these armed groups.” She explained that many returnees testify to the continued spread of genocide ideology, hatred, and division within armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo. The commission works to counter these narratives by teaching returnees Rwanda’s history, national values, and government programmes, including Ndi Umunyarwanda. Since 2001, the centre has rehabilitated 12,714 former members of armed groups, including 1,092 children. Since 1997, the RDRC has demobilised and reintegrated 72,109 former soldiers from different military backgrounds. Nyirahabineza stressed that successful reintegration requires collaboration among government institutions, religious organisations, the private sector, media, and communities. For many returnees, Mutobo marks the beginning of a new chapter—one defined not by conflict, but by belonging and hope. Testimonies from former members of armed groups highlighted their experiences in the Congolese jungles, the circumstances that led them to return home, and their determination to contribute to Rwanda’s development. Some of those who have successfully reintegrated into society spoke about the importance of rebuilding their lives and encouraging others still in the forests to choose peace and return home. According to Unity Club Intwararumuri, the dialogue at Mutobo was organised to deepen understanding of the country’s history and demonstrate the measures Rwanda put in place to prevent and combat genocide ideology, which continues to persist in parts of the Great Lakes region. The Unity Club noted that the discussions reaffirmed that genocide ideology remains a threat in the region, particularly through the activities of FDLR and its supporters. Furthermore, Unity Club members expressed concern over the economic, military, and political support received by FDLR from various actors, enabling the group to maintain its operations despite ongoing regional efforts to restore peace and stability, citing the persecution and killings targeting Congolese Tutsi communities because of their ethnic identity. Unity Club members underscored the need for continued efforts to counter FDLR and the ideology it promotes, arguing that this requires sustained commitment to preserving national unity, strengthening preventive measures against divisive narratives, and maintaining vigilance, particularly in communities located near Rwanda’s borders.

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From DR Congo’s jungles to Rwanda’s future: Youth urged to safeguard unity, reject genocide ideology