Congolese refugees in Rwanda condemn genocide in their country
The Ministry of National Integration and Civic Engagement has shown that despite a decline in cases of genocidal ideology, its propaganda continues to appear in neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Minister Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana said that since stopping the genocide against Tutsi in 1994, Rwanda has achieved a lot in achieving unity and reconciliation.
In his report submitted to the National Dialogue Council-Umushikirano for 2023, the minister showed that according to a survey conducted in 2020, 94.7% of Rwandans believe that unity has been achieved and they see it as a responsibility and a voluntary commitment .
The survey was based on eight (8) national programs, which rate more than 93% that Rwandans appreciate the progress of unity and reconciliation.
These include: ND Umunyarwanda (99,3%); education for all (99%); in memory of the genocide against Tutsis (99.5%); citizenship education; Girinka program (one cow per household) 98.5%, good governance (94.8%); security (94.3%) and equal opportunities and equal rights for all (93.1%).
“Although we have reached here, we are still not at the level we want to reach. 26.9% of Rwandans still have historical wounds that cause trauma, including the youth,” Bijimana said.
According to this census, 65.3% of the population is under 30 years of age. Also, 78% people are between 30 to 40 years old.
This indicates that some were children and teenagers, and many were born after the massacre. Nonetheless, some people, especially survivors of the genocide, are still dealing with the trauma and pain of the genocide.
Furthermore, he said that Rwanda cannot achieve full unity with youth at risk of trauma, therefore they need constant care.
In addition to these internal challenges, Bizimana shows that the current greatest threat to the unity of Rwandans is the concept of genocidal ideology, which has not yet been completely eradicated, although it is disappearing in Rwanda.
Bijimana said that the ideology of genocide is more prevalent during the period of commemoration and especially among the youth.
Dr. Jean Damascus Bizimana
Bizimana asserted that Rwanda is stepping up its efforts in the fight against the genocidal ideology and
Towards building unity among its citizens, it is concerned about plans to spread hate speech, lies and murder against Rwandan-speaking Congolese, especially the Tutsi.
region and abroad.
Tutsi are openly hated and killed against Congolese, and the international community and MONUSCO forces are watching, as happened in Rwanda between 1992 and 1994, when an ideology known as “Hutu power” was promoted. was given; Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi were formed, RTLM and other dangerous newsletters were published, and speeches by bad politicians exhorting people to commit genocide were broadcast in front of UNAMIR forces.
Bijimana said, “The lies and hostility taught and propagated by ordinary Congolese and some foreigners threaten Rwanda’s unity and relations with our neighbors, because when a lie is repeated, some people believe it to be real.” seem.”
Some of the lies being spread include that “M23 are Rwandans, supported by Rwanda,” yet the Congolese officials who are lying about this are well aware of the fact that they are Congolese. There are people.
They go on to allege that Rwanda intends to steal Congo’s minerals because it does not have any” However, from 1925 onwards, Belgians discovered minerals in Rwanda and created mining companies .
Other stereotypes include “Balkanization and the Hima-Tutsi Empire”, which used to say that Hima and Tutsi intended to conquer Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo; the slogan “Wanyarwanda warudi kwawo” (Rwandaeans must return to their country), or Tutsi must return to their country in Rwanda; and “Nyoka asikuume”—an expression used to compare Tutsi and Congolese snakes, intended to dehumanize them.
With these and many other outrageous statements, Bizimana said that the DRC has been central to the propaganda of genocide ideology as far back as 1994.
“The ideology of hate in the Congo is the same as in Rwanda in 1992-1994, when the genocide against the Tutsi was being prepared, which should be a wake-up call for us to defend the truth and the facts,” said Bizimana told the council headed by President Paul Kagame.
Bizimana said Rwandans should not remain silent as those who defame the country and its leaders do so and called for action, especially among the youth but also among the wider Rwandan community.
“Some know the truth and remain silent; There are young people who do not know much, and who need to know the important facts of history, so that they can expose the lies,” Bijimana said.
The minister assured that unity and development can be achieved and suggested some strategies, built on culture and family values, that would help Rwanda in its journey to strengthen unity and resilience.
These include strengthening and continuing discussions of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” (I am Rwanda) at all levels within the country and abroad to review the Itorero program at the village level and incorporate it into annual planning at all levels; To properly prepare teachers of history and civics, as well as to teach history in all departments of colleges and universities.
Additionally, every Rwandan who graduates from it is well-versed in the history of the country; Faith-Based Organization: Teaching our followers about our history and informing them about regional issues affecting Rwanda.
Other suggestions are: involvement of parents in teaching children the values of Rwandan culture, such as brotherhood, cooperation, trust, tolerance, conscience, truthfulness, valor, passion, self-respect, integrity and others, and teaching children about truth tell real history,
Bijimana said, “If we cooperate to implement these strategies starting with the family, the country will achieve unity and sustainable growth and development, because these goals can only be accomplished if they are based on culture and Be supported by family.”