First Lady Jeannette Kagame has warned young Rwandans to remain vigilant against growing attempts to distort the country’s history through social media, calling on them to protect Rwanda’s unity and reject genocide ideology.
Speaking at the 12th edition of Igihango cy’Urungano—a youth forum held Friday at Intare Arena in Rusororo—Kagame addressed more than 2,000 young leaders from across the country, urging them to uphold the truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and safeguard the nation’s hard-earned peace.
“Social media was meant to share knowledge and bring people together,” she said. “But today, it has become a battlefield where truth is twisted and deliberately attacked. Every day, false narratives are spread to confuse, mislead, and discredit our progress.”
The annual forum, held as part of Rwanda’s national genocide commemoration period, honors young victims of the genocide and empowers today’s youth to carry forward the country’s message of resilience and unity.
“This is the only country we have”
Kagame reminded the young audience that while they did not choose Rwanda’s tragic past, they were born into a nation rebuilt on the values of truth, responsibility, and collective strength.
“You were born in Rwanda—and Rwanda was born in you,” she said. “This is the only country we have. No one else is going to claim it or fight for it on our behalf.”
She explained that genocide does not begin with violence, but with words—words that dehumanize, spread hate, and gradually erode the truth.
“Genocide starts with language that kills,” she said. “It begins with narratives that strip people of their humanity and twist facts until neighbors begin to see each other as threats.”
A call for critical thinking
Kagame warned that genocide ideology can be passed down through generations and encouraged young people to question the motives behind harmful messaging online.
“Ask yourselves: Who benefits when Rwanda’s story is twisted? Where were they when this country was in ruins? Have they ever celebrated our recovery?” she asked.
She urged youth to think critically about what they consume online and reject efforts to downplay or deny the genocide under the guise of freedom of expression.
“Some even make jokes or mock our darkest history, calling it free speech,” Kagame said. “But those who promote such thinking do not wish Rwanda well.”
A shared responsibility
The First Lady also encouraged young people to take ownership of their role in shaping the future of Rwanda by choosing truth, promoting unity, and rejecting all forms of division.
“Youth have the power to preserve this legacy,” she said. “Continue to stand firm and protect what we’ve built. Genocide ideology is like a dangerous virus—you must learn to detect it early and reject it entirely.”
Participants at the forum engaged in discussions about Rwanda’s history, the causes and consequences of the genocide, and the importance of building a nation free from hate.
Held annually since 2013, Igihango cy’Urungano brings together youth representatives from all districts, special interest groups, and national institutions. The forum seeks to instill values of remembrance, truth, and responsibility in the post-genocide generation.
