Minister Nsengimana delivered a powerful message to the youth during the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Huye District. Speaking in Karama Sector, he emphasized that young people have no excuse to embrace divisionism in modern Rwanda.
He explained that bad leadership previously spread genocide ideology across the country. Even highly educated individuals promoted these harmful views within schools and communities.
According to the Minister, educated people should have distinguished between right and wrong instead of influencing the younger generation negatively. Consequently, the government introduced a new education system after the Genocide to promote unity and national values among all Rwandans.
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Using education to build a unified Rwanda
The Minister highlighted the contrast between the past and present roles of education. He noted that while some used their knowledge to destroy Rwanda in 1994, today’s students must use their education to build a foundation of love.
“Those who were educated used their knowledge to destroy Rwanda. Today, it is time to use the new education system to teach love, unity, and Rwandan values, so that the tragedy of 1994 never happens again,” he said.
He further encouraged the youth to use the commemoration period to reflect on the nation’s history and prepare for a future defined by collective progress.
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Addressing the persistence of genocide ideology
Minister Nsengimana expressed deep concern that some young people under the age of 30 still hold genocide ideology. He attributed this issue to parents and educators who fail to provide proper guidance to the next generation.
“Our youth, the commemoration period is a time to understand where we came from and prepare where we are heading as a country. You have no reason to be characterized by genocide ideology. It is concerning that during the 32nd commemoration, after the mourning week, many young people under 30 were found to hold such ideology, largely due to some parents and educators failing in their responsibility to provide proper guidance,” he added.
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Thirteen victims given a dignified burial at Karama Memorial
During the ceremony, thirteen bodies of Genocide victims received a dignified burial. These included three victims found in Karama and ten from Nyaruguru District. Minister Nsengimana condemned individuals who still conceal information about where victims were dumped. This secrecy prevents families from finding closure and honoring their loved ones properly.
The Karama Memorial currently holds the remains of over 75,000 victims. Deputy Mayor Kamana André explained that while these burials restore hope, the community must still address why some people withhold vital information. Youth were finally encouraged to follow the example of the RPA soldiers who stopped the Genocide by serving their country with total dedication.
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