Among individuals frequently associated with efforts to glorify the First and Second Republics are Antoine Mukiza Zigiranyirazo, son of Protais Zigiranyirazo, and Jean-Luc Habyarimana, son of former President Juvenal Habyarimana who led Rwanda until 1994, along with other similar figures.
These individuals often claim that their parents and other officials of those regimes committed no wrongdoing, despite well-documented evidence that many played a key role in planning and carrying out the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
In a message shared on X , Minister Bizimana stressed that one way to preserve historical truth is to counter those who spread false narratives about the country's past.
'The journey of building unity starts with acknowledging the truth of our history â€" showing how our unity was destroyed. Rwandans had lived in unity for centuries, but this was deliberately broken and culminated in the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
'Let me also remind you that the genocide was planned before that year and, in some areas, killings began earlier [Kibilira, Mutara, Nasho, Rwankuba in Murambi, Mbogo in Kigali, Shyorongi, Bugesera, Gisenyi, Kibuye, Ruhengeri…].'
He explained that the real root of Rwanda's disunity lies in Belgian colonial policies, missionary influence, and the governments of PARMEHUTU and MRND.
'To legitimize the regimes that planned and carried out the genocide is to keep destroying Rwandan unity. The genocide and its ideology defined the rule of Habyarimana and deeply fractured our unity. We cannot stand by and watch this happen. Instead, we must work together to ensure the truth prevails. That is how we strengthen, support, and safeguard our unity from those who seek to undermine it,' Dr. Bizimana stated.
According to the 2020 Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer (RRB), national reconciliation in Rwanda was measured at 94.7%, indicating a remaining 5.3% gap where continued education and engagement are needed to further strengthen social cohesion.
IGIHE
