Several European nations, including Belgium, Germany, and France, are home to individuals who spread genocide ideology through social media, published writings, and books.

According to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), 3,179 people have been investigated for genocide-related offenses between 2019 and 2024.

Deputy Prosecutor General Bonaventure Ruberwa disclosed these efforts during a consultative meeting organized by Rwanda’s Parliament on March 5, 2025.

The discussion focused on the persistence of genocide ideology, its consequences, and strategies to counter it.

Ruberwa emphasized that Rwanda is gathering evidence against individuals living abroad who deny or trivialize the Genocide against the Tutsi, with the goal of prosecuting them in their host countries.

He noted that many of these individuals are concentrated in Belgium and France, despite both nations having laws that criminalize genocide denial.

“For some time now, we have observed that many of these individuals are in Belgium. Most of them are children of parents who committed the Genocide against the Tutsi. They established an organization called Jambo News, which runs media platforms that extensively spread genocide ideology. Others, like Father Thomas Nahimana, use social media to deny and trivialize the Genocide,” he said.

The NPPA is taking concrete steps to collect evidence, particularly in countries such as France and Belgium, where legal frameworks allow the prosecution of individuals, regardless of nationality, who engage in genocide denial while residing there.

“We are compiling evidence to file cases in these countries, given that their laws permit prosecuting individuals, whether citizens or foreigners, who spread genocide denial while on their soil,” Ruberwa explained.

He also urged the public to report any materials, such as books, articles, or social media content, that promote genocide denial or ideology so they can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

“We call for cooperation in investigations to ensure these individuals face justice in their host countries. If you come across books, articles, or social media content that promote genocide denial, please report them. This is especially critical as young people are increasingly exposed to these messages through platforms like Jambo News,” he stated.

Rwanda’s Parliament has also raised concerns about the influence of anti-Rwanda rhetoric on communities living near border regions.

Lawmakers warned that some residents consume online content from individuals abroad who oppose Rwanda, potentially misleading them if they lack proper analytical skills and critical thinking.

The consultative discussion focused on the persistence of genocide ideology, its consequences, and strategies to counter it.