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Over 500 youths from the Great Lakes region educated on history of Genocide against the Tutsi

By Esther Muhozi
On 11 June 2024 at 12:13

More than 500 young people from the Great Lakes region have been learning about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and how to combat its growing ideology in their respective countries, influenced by those involved in the genocide.

The youths mostly comprise students from secondary schools in Rubavu District and members of youth peace groups from Uganda and the the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their goal is to educate their peers back home.

Speaking to the young people on Friday, Eric Mahoro, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, urged them not to remain passive in the face of those who continue to deny and spread genocide ideology.

He stated, "We ask the youth two things: not to be misled by those who continue to spread genocide ideology, especially among the youth living near the borders. They should stand firm on the truth about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi because when we tell them this, we want them to find the strength within themselves so that deniers do not mislead them."

"Secondly, we ask them to preserve the achievements because many did not experience these historical events first hand. However, we explain to them that the unity of Rwandans is what has led us to the development we see today. Their daily choices should support and safeguard these achievements, without taking any steps backward."

Brother Vital Binguyeneze, the Director of Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, who organized the discussions, emphasized that this initiative brings youths together to learn history and build peace.

Given that genocide ideology is gaining traction in the Great Lakes Region, he urged the youth to be catalysts for peace.

He said, "We want this youth to be catalysts for peace in this region and convey this message to their peers who couldn’t be here, ensuring our country continues to be a beacon of peace in this region and globally."

Some international youth participants expressed that the fight against genocide ideology should not be the responsibility of Rwandans alone, as its negative impacts are felt worldwide. Therefore, as young people, they must collaborate with others to combat it.

Noerine Muhindo Basa from Kasese, Uganda, remarked, "We learned about the history and consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi. As young people, our contribution to preventing genocide ideology is to educate the public and share accurate information to prevent propaganda from taking hold and leading to violence."

Elie Syauswa from Goma, DRC, added, "We must strive for unity because it is the lack of unity that led people to kill others. It is not a virtue for one person to kill another, as God asks us to help one another. We must do good things that promote the well-being of the community."

The youth attending this five-day camp were taught about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the eradication of genocide ideology, and the importance of contributing to the preservation of the progress achieved.

The youths mostly comprised students from secondary schools in Rubavu District and members of youth peace groups from Uganda and the the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Mahoro Eric, urged the youth not to remain passive in the face of those who continue to deny and spread genocide ideology.

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