Eric Mahoro, the Permanent Secretary of MINUBUMWE, made this announcement on March 18, 2025, during the official launch of new unity and reconciliation lessons. These lessons are being provided to genocide convicts as they prepare for reintegration into society.
The Genocide against the Tutsi, which ended with the intervention of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), led to the prosecution of over 120,000 individuals. Rwanda used a restorative justice system through Gacaca courts to address those involved in the Genocide.
A study in 2010 highlighted the success of these courts in promoting reconciliation. It found that 83% of those who admitted their crimes sought forgiveness and committed to rejecting genocide ideology. Additionally, 85% of the victims' families forgave the perpetrators, enabling peaceful coexistence in daily life.
According to MINUBUMWE data, in 2018, there were 27,662 genocide convicts in Rwandan prisons. By 2024, this number had decreased to 17,546, and between August 2024 and January 2025, 509 convicts were released, bringing the total number of remaining prisoners down to 17,037.
'Between March and May 2025, around 192 prisoners will be reintegrated into their families. The remaining convicts will continue to be released as they complete their sentences,' Mahoro explained.
He urged the genocide convicts who are nearing the end of their sentences to reject the ideology of genocide and to share the truth about the past with their children, rather than falsely claiming victimhood.
Currently, genocide convicts approaching release are gathered at two main locations: male convicts at Nyamasheke Prison and female convicts at Nyamagabe Prison. Two months prior to their release, they receive lessons aimed at preparing them for reintegration into Rwandan society, focusing on unity and reconciliation.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/over-17-000-genocide-convicts-still-serving-sentences
