Genocide convicts nearing the end of their prison sentences have been urged to acknowledge their role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and demonstrate genuine change as they prepare to return to their communities.

The call came as 533 inmates convicted of Genocide-related crimes completed the 10th cohort of a reintegration programme in Nyamasheke District. More than 300 were released immediately afterwards, while the rest were expected to complete their sentences the following month.

The programme, jointly organised by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) and other partners, ran from 5 to 28 October.

Addressing participants at Nyamasheke Correctional Facility on Wednesday, 28 October, Minister Dr Jean-Damascène Bizimana said that although divisive politics and bad leadership contributed to the Genocide, perpetrators remained responsible for their actions.

"You became killers because of bad politics. However, that does not remove the fact that you also committed the genocide crime. You also played a part in it and chose to participate in the killing of innocent victims, including children who did not know why they were being killed,” he said.

Bizimana urged participants to acknowledge the gravity of their crimes, tell the truth and help preserve the country's gains in unity, reconciliation and development.

Truth-telling as a path to healing

The minister said genuine reintegration required participants to demonstrate change through their actions and speak honestly about their crimes.

"It is important that whatever you do, you also show changes, transformation and without any lie to the public. You all need to come out and tell the truth. Real healing comes from telling the mere truth,” he said.

He urged them to explain their past actions to their children to help prevent future generations from inheriting genocide ideology.

"You have children, family members, and you need to tell the truth to your children. That is the only way you will be contributing to nation-building,” he said.

"Never strive to inherit the burden of genocide to your children. Tell the truth to your children, show them the gravity of the crime you committed for them to never commit the same crime as you committed in the past.”

Bizimana also cited leaders who protected Tutsi during the Genocide, some of whom were killed for refusing to participate in the killings.

"We could not have had the Genocide had we had a big number of such leaders,” he said, highlighting the importance of responsible leadership and individual courage.

Families prepare to welcome them home

Families of the returning inmates said they were ready to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

Theophile Mugiraneza, whose parent was among the participants, said the family would support the relative's transition.

"We are ready to receive my parent, and I have been supporting him. I hope to find him something to do and help him integrate into society,” he said.

Monique Mukamwiza, from Bugesera District, said families were prepared to offer guidance and help former inmates live peacefully with others.

"We are ready to show them love, to work with them, advise them and help them build society, live in harmony and sustain the gains,” she said.

Former convicts pledge to shun genocide ideology

Some participants said their time in prison had changed their understanding of the Genocide and strengthened their commitment to preventing similar crimes.

Charles Urimubenshi, from Huye District, who served a 15-year prison sentence, said he would work with Rwandans, particularly young people, to explain how the Genocide against the Tutsi was planned and executed.

"I am committed to fighting genocide ideology, working with other Rwandans in nation-building and ensuring that I work with Rwandans, especially the youth, to discuss how the genocide was planned and executed and shun away its ideology,” he said.

François Nzirorera, from Ruhango District, who served 30 years in prison, said the experience had helped him reflect on his role in the Genocide.

"Thirty years to me were important and transformed me. We are here to be able to assess our part in the 1994 Genocide. We were totally wrong and committed gross crimes, which we regret,” he said.

He pledged to avoid repeating such crimes and contribute to peaceful coexistence.

"We have seen the role of good leadership, and we got correctional services and a reintegration programme. As I head home, I promise that we will never commit such crimes again, and that is a promise that we commit to our country,” he said.

Roger Iyamuremye, whose father was completing a sentence for the Genocide-related crimes, said he had pursued his education despite his father's involvement in the Genocide. He urged returning parents to listen to their children and accept their guidance.

"I managed to study despite my father having committed the genocide, and I am grateful. For our parents who are joining us in the community, always allow us to advise you and always be the eye of others, especially those who may want to repeat crime, if we are to prevent crime repetition,” he said.

Preparing for life after prison

Odette Mukansoro, from Dignity in Detention (DIDE), which has worked with RCS since 1996, said the programme helped inmates assess their transformation and prepare for life outside prison.

Sessions covered Rwanda's history, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, governance, gender equality, mental health, personal transformation and accountability.

According to MINUBUMWE, more than 120,000 people were initially imprisoned for crimes related to the Genocide against the Tutsi. RCS figures indicate that more than 1,000 inmates have completed their sentences and returned to society annually since 2018.

Theos Badege, Deputy Commissioner General of RCS, said the service provided technical and vocational training, healing and civic education to prepare inmates for reintegration.

"The skills and training you have acquired will help you live in harmony with others and help you avoid crime repetition,” he said.

Nyamasheke District Mayor Narcisse Mupenzi urged the returning inmates to demonstrate genuine change through their conduct, saying local leaders were ready to welcome and support them.

"What we expect from you is to demonstrate real change. We know that you have undergone different phases of transformation, and as you express your readiness to change, we want you to prove it through your actions, always seek guidance and take proper decisions whenever you face a problem, we as local leaders are ready to welcome and fully integrate you,” he said.