On the evening of 9^th April 2020, Rwandan Community in China have been urged to make the difference by Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, H.E. James Kimonyo  and Tom Ndahiro, a Rwandan scholar ,who was the Guest at the Kwibuka26 online talk with Rwandan Community in China, themed ‘the role of the youth in the fight against genocide ideology’.

The event, which brought together 400 Rwandans in China, was organized by the Embassy of Rwanda in China as part of the 26^th Commemoration Anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi mourning week activities through virtual teleconference technology.

In his introduction, Ambassador James Kimonyo told the participants whose majority are students, that as academicians and intellectuals, it’s a great opportunity to learn from a senior scholar who specializes in genocide ideology and denial.

The envoy said that most of the youth who are in China did not witness the 1994 genocide against Tutsi; however, they are affected by its horrible consequences in one way or another. With this, it is important to acknowledge the role of the youth in ensuring that it never happen again.

Mr. Ndahiro briefed the participants on the dark history of classification, dehumanization, division to discrimination, torture, preparation, extermination and denial as well as the role of leaders  that the country went through which led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

“Genocide ideology and denial is invisible war, but has big impact to the Rwandan youth,” Ndahiro said, adding that idols create genocide ideology through public teachings, media sensitization, in newspapers as well as radio talks.

He urged the youth to be cautious and find out more about the genocide deniers tactics. Citing examples of people like Faustin Twagiramungu, FDU – Inkingi and RNC public dialogues, which are based on the genocide denial and hatred.

“As intellectual people, you should fight the Genocide ideology mainly on social media, it is your responsibility to respond and counteract by telling the truth,” Ndahiro told the participants.

Participants appreciated time given to them to express their views and to ask questions, which helped them to deepen their understandings on the genocide ideology and how it can be fought.

According to Emmanuel Mutabazi, a doctoral student in China, Genocide ideology should be taught from home to primary and secondary level to curb all forms of genocide ideology and denial. Moreover, He suggested to form student clubs, in order discuss more about the Rwandan history.

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