Rwanda’s Minister for Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, has called on the youth to use social media to present the true image of the country. He urged them to share Rwanda’s history with their peers abroad and correct any distortions, particularly regarding the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Dr. Bizimana made these remarks during a special discussion on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The event brought together students from the Independent University of Kigali (ULK) in Rubavu and the University of Tourism, Technology and Business (UTB). The discussion focused on how Rwandan values can promote unity and reconciliation among young people.
The Minister highlighted that many people involved in the Genocide deny it ever happened. Some even teach their children abroad to spread false narratives about Rwanda. He stressed that it is the responsibility of the youth to correct these misconceptions using social media.
“Many people who participated in the Genocide distort history. They deny the truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Today, they live abroad with their children, misleading them about Rwanda, claiming the country is unsafe and full of lies,” Dr. Bizimana said.
He urged the youth in Rwanda to use social media to show the world the country’s true image. “Every child studying in Rwanda has access to education. Every person has healthcare because all Rwandans have health insurance. These are facts that need to be shared.”
The Minister also warned the youth against religious leaders who deceive them with false promises. Some claim that through prayer, young people can achieve success, such as obtaining visas to study abroad. Dr. Bizimana urged the youth to focus on hard work instead.
“Some religious leaders say they will pray for you to get a visa to study in the U.S. But can you pass your studies by just praying? Hard work, along with prayer, is the true way to succeed,” he said.
Dr. Bizimana concluded by reminding the youth that unity is a sacred principle. Just as churches have holy places and books, Rwandans should view their unity as sacred. He believes that if the youth embrace this principle, it will lead to progress and development for the country.
His remarks come amid reports of some religious leaders being involved in fraud, extorting money from followers by promising prayers for personal gain.
