Recent reports have highlighted incidents of violence against genocide survivors in certain parts of Rwanda.

These include killings, threats via unsigned letters and property damage.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, retired diplomat Ambassador Mutaboba lamented that even 30 years after the genocide, such actions persist.

“It is infuriating that after committing such heinous crimes, serving prison time, or seeing your accomplices held accountable, you would still come out and engage in the same hateful behaviors as 30 years ago is unacceptable,” he said.

Amb. Mutaboba pointed out that these acts undermine government efforts to foster unity among Rwandans. He also raised concerns about external influences encouraging division within the country.

“There’s more to be done. Efforts to educate Rwandans have been made, but we need to intensify them. Some people understand, while others either ignore or reject the teachings. If a child grows up exposed to harmful ideologies, those lessons shape their worldview,” he explained.

Amb. Mutaboba stressed the importance of teaching Rwanda’s youth the nation’s history comprehensively, starting from pre-colonial times, through colonial rule, and into the post-colonial era.

“We need to double down on teaching young people where Rwanda came from—how it was united before colonization. That history must be thoroughly explored and taught to the younger generation,” he said.

Amb. Mutaboba also acknowledged the existence of hidden forces working to sow division, urging a resolute and vigilant approach to counter these influences.

“It’s deeply troubling and frustrating. These divisive actions must stop, and the law must be enforced without compromise to set an example for anyone caught engaging in them,” he insisted.

Amb. Mutaboba called for stronger initiatives to discourage those who fuel such harmful activities within Rwanda.

“We must also address the enablers of these actions. Some individuals within the country engage in dangerous behaviors because they are paid small amounts of money. These people spread harmful ideologies, and that needs to end,” he said.

Amb. Mutaboba encouraged young people to counter false narratives about Rwanda’s history and avoid being misled by those who seek to distort the truth.

Jean Baptiste Gasominari, a lawyer, echoed Mutaboba’s concerns, stating that attacks against genocide survivors are fueled by persistent genocidal ideology in the region.

“We are in a region where the genocide ideology remains prevalent. This issue extends beyond Rwanda. Look at what has been happening in Burundi since 2015, or the ongoing situation in the eastern DRC. Many individuals claiming to oppose the Rwandan government spend their time on social media, radio, and television spreading hate. Eradicating these ideologies is no easy task,” Gasominari explained.

He also urged the Rwandan government to strengthen its efforts to educate citizens and address the challenges posed by those who continue to promote genocide ideology globally.

“Education must be continuous. The Rwandan government is doing its best to educate the population, counter these actions, and prevent new attempts. However, the government cannot be everywhere at once. The persistence of these actions is largely due to perpetrators of the genocide who remain free and active around the world,” he said.

Gasominari concluded by emphasizing that the primitive mindset of taking another person’s life is unacceptable and reflects a dangerously low level of moral and intellectual development.

Ambassador Joseph Mutaboba has expressed deep concern over attacks targeting survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi