The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, has called on young people to take an active role in safeguarding Rwanda’s progress by building on the legacy of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), which halted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He made the remarks on Friday during a commemoration event held in Kimihurura, where he joined staff from the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to honor victims of the genocide.
Brig. Gen. Rwivanga delivered a lecture titled “Genocide ideology in the region and the role of everyone in combating it,” in which he warned that, despite the passage of 32 years, genocide ideology continues to persist across the region.
He noted that such ideology is still propagated by individuals responsible for the genocide, some of whom continue to receive support from countries that host them.
“Youth must reflect on their responsibility and understand their role in continuing what was started by the RPA, many of whom were younger than you are today,” he said.
He emphasized that the responsibility to confront and defeat genocide ideology rests not only with institutions but also with individuals, particularly the younger generation.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga expressed confidence that genocide ideology cannot prevail, stressing Rwanda’s continued commitment to resilience, unity, and vigilance.
The commemoration forms part of the national remembrance period aimed at honoring victims and reinforcing collective efforts to ensure that such atrocities never happen again.
