Youth Urged to Defend Truth and Fight Genocide Denial

By The Inspirer.

Rwandans, especially the youth, must actively defend the truth, combat genocide denial, and ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a slogan but a lived national commitment, said Marie-Solange Kayisire, First Vice Chairperson of Unity Club and Minister of State for Local Government.

She made these remarks as members of Unity Club Intwararumuri honoured more than 45,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi laid to rest at Nyamata Genocide Memorial in Bugesera District.

The memorial, once a church where over 10,000 people were killed, is among four genocide memorials in Rwanda inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Unity Club Intwararumuri was founded and is led by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, who has championed its vision since 1996.

Kayisire highlighted the dual responsibility held by members of Intwararumuri—not only as national leaders but also as torchbearers committed to promoting unity, fostering resilience among Rwandans, and fighting genocide ideology.

She also referenced remarks made by President Paul Kagame at the start of the 100 Days of Commemoration, where he pointed out that lies are still given platforms while the truth is often ignored.

“This is happening in our region, and we must constantly remind ourselves that defending our right to exist is a choice we must make,” she said.

Kayisire emphasized the importance of teaching accurate history to younger generations and resisting efforts to distort Rwanda’s past.

“We will continue to fight for truth to be given the space it deserves, both within Rwanda and globally. Especially through social media, where many of those who deny the genocide are active. These platforms spread both harmful and positive information quickly, so we must use them to promote accurate and constructive messages,” she added.

Julienne Murorunkwere, a survivor of the Genocide, shared her testimony. She lost her entire family in Nyamata in 1994 and was the sole survivor after being struck on the head and left for dead. Despite suffering long-term injuries, she returned to school and gradually rebuilt her life.

“When the Inkotanyi came, they brought back hope. Today I have a family. I am married with three children. But above all, this country gave me a reason to live again. Even though I lost my entire family, I’m alive because of this nation, and because of those who stood with us during commemoration,” she said.

Murorunkwere now serves as the Bugesera District Psychologist at Avega Agahozo.

“I am still here, and I will continue contributing to this country, especially to support the lives of Rwandans who are still suffering or burdened by this painful history so they, too, can keep going,” she added.

Vincent Karega, the Ambassador-at-Large for the Great Lakes Region, also spoke during the event. He pointed to colonial powers, particularly Belgium, as the root cause of ethnic divisions in Rwanda, which undermined the unity that existed during the era of the Rwandan Kingdom.

He noted that genocide ideology often starts within families. While it has decreased in Rwanda, he warned that it has not been fully eradicated in the region.

“It still exists, especially in neighbouring countries like DR Congo, where colonial powers like the Belgians also exported the same divisive ideologies,” he said.

Karega called on Rwandans to take collective responsibility in fighting genocide ideology. “We have a duty to fight this ideology within our families, in our country, and even globally.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of remembrance as a way to educate younger generations and help prevent the repetition of such atrocities.