Their reaction came after the Burundi Youth Forum in the Diaspora, Rwanda chapter, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
The youth leaders explained that the visit aimed at learning from Rwanda's history, which culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to ensure such atrocities never happen again either in Rwanda or across the region.
After learning how the genocide unfolded with neighbors killing neighbors, and Christians murdering fellow worshippers because they were Tutsi â€" the Forum's president, Bizoza Deo, said they are committed to fighting against ethnic division and hatred.
'Looking at what happened in our country and the Genocide against the Tutsi, we saw that it all begins with ideology. To heal from these problems, we must first cure the minds â€" change the dangerous thinking that leads to division and ultimately genocide. That is why we came here to learn more,' he said.
He emphasized that the current crisis in eastern DRC proves that genocide ideology is still alive in the region, even 31 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi.
What he found most troubling, he said, is that some heads of state openly support armed campaigns aimed at killing their own citizens simply because they are Tutsi.
He stressed that the deployment of Burundian troops alongside the FDLR in eastern DRC is evidence that genocide ideology persists even within Burundi's top leadership.
'Looking at what is happening in Congo, you can see that Burundi is actively involved. Sometimes they do not even hide it â€" they publicly support killings. The victims are once again targeted because they are Tutsi. The real problem is the ideology of discrimination and division that lives in the minds of leaders. This ideology is also in DRC and Burundi,' he added.
His colleague, Nsabyumuremyi Oscar, said the collaboration between Burundi's army and the FDLR shows that ethnic discrimination continues to be nurtured in Burundi.
'This shows that Burundi is siding with the perpetrators of the Genocide. That is unacceptable because they know exactly where ethnic division leads a country. Aligning with those who practice ethnic hatred is very dangerous and puts our country at risk,' he said.
He called for unity, saying that no one chooses their ethnicity, place of birth, or community, and that all citizens should live together peacefully.
Havyarimana Audace also raised alarm over the spread of genocide ideology in the region.
'This is deeply frightening. It means genocide ideology is crossing borders. From what we've seen here, the Genocide against the Tutsi was planned by governments. Now, Congolese Tutsi are being killed because they are considered Rwandans, which makes it clear that genocide is being carried out there,' he said.
He added that it is disturbing to see countries like Burundi working with the DRC to exterminate their own citizens under the pretext of fighting the AFC/M23 movement â€" a Congolese coalition that has been demanding an end to discrimination and seeking to restore peace and stability.
He lamented that Burundi's army is siding with the FDLR, a group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, thus helping to spread and implement genocide ideology in eastern DRC.
'What is most alarming is that those leading this campaign are genocide perpetrators who crossed into Congo with the same ideology and are now spreading it to Congolese Tutsi â€" with Burundians helping them. It is shameful and incomprehensible to see Burundi supporting such actions, even to the point of backing another country in killing its own citizens,' he said.
The Burundians called on President Évariste Ndayishimiye to change course, prioritize the interests of his nation over personal ambitions, and withdraw Burundian troops from DRC.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/burundians-denounce-army-s-collaboration-with-fdlr
