We are just a few weeks to the beginning of the mourning period when we commemorate the over one million people who were killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As has been the case in the past, Rwanda’s enemies, Genocide deniers and perpetrators and their supporters are out in force to try to re-write history or divert attention to sell their lopsided story. They falsely believe in two things; that with the world’s media attention focused on Rwanda they will manage to steal some of the limelight to push their agenda and help isolate Rwanda: They are wasting their time. But the biggest mistake they make is to think that during the mourning period is when we are at the most vulnerable stage. They equate the psychological vulnerability of Genocide survivors – as they relive their painful past - to a weakness of the state. That is their biggest mistake. Rwanda came out of the Genocide against the Tutsi even stronger; it weathered several severe storms and it will continue to do so without flinching. The determination that was used to rebuild this country against all odds has been passed down to the next generation, most of who are already in the driving seat. Today’s young generation is a far cry from its pre-Genocide brainwashed predecessors. They are not prone to succumb to manipulation or threats and that is why when push comes to shove they can always be depended on to line up on the side of their country. Underestimating this core sector of the population would be a fatal error. That’s the new Rwanda that all who wish it the worst – especially armed groups in neighbouring countries – have failed to decipher, a Rwanda that moves as one and is immune to manipulation.
