By NSENGUMUKIZA Prudence
As Rwandan and international community are still mourning the Rwandan genocide , attention turns to the silenced voices of the Hutu community, who face constraints in openly addressing RPF atrocities. Denied rights to remember their loved ones, they feel marginalized amidst commemorations dominated by the Tutsi community.
The RPF suppresses discussions on its role in subsequent atrocities, hindering Rwanda’s path to healing and media and political freedom.
Before and after the genocide, the RPF conducted military operations in an attempt to dismantle the Habyarimana regime. Tragically, these actions led to Hutus civilian massacres in several locations, including Byumba, Kibeho, Ruhengeri, Gitarama, Gisenyi, Kibungo, Butare, and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Human rights organizations have persistently called for investigations and prosecutions of war crimes committed by RPF forces. Despite this, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has failed to pursue cases against RPF officers implicated in war crimes and crimes against humanity, including atrocities targeting Hutus.
Could RPF atrocities targeting Hutus be considered genocide?
The 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in Article 2, defines genocide as the commission of specific criminal acts with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.[1]
In Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Hutu communities were subjected to targeted atrocities by the RPF, as outlined in the UN Mapping report.[2] These actions aimed to exterminate or subject Hutus to conditions that would lead to their destruction.
Despite the absence of legal accountability, the classification of these acts as genocide remains valid, as they meet the criteria outlined in the Convention. Disputes over legal acknowledgment of genocide against Hutus are deemed unreasonable given the evidence presented.
Hutus’ Right to Remember and Honor Loved Ones Denied
Genocide commemoration known as #Kwibuka, honouring the Tutsi victims, and exclude many Hutus who were also victims of atrocities committed by the RPF. Additionally, it’s noted that only Tutsi have the right to organize dignity funerals in genocide memorials for their loved ones killed during the genocide.
In 2013, the government organized a Youth Connect conference in Kigali as part of its ‘I am Rwandan’ campaign (#Ndumunyarwanda) to foster national unity among Hutu and Tutsi youth. During this event, a nationwide call was made for Hutu youth to apologize for the involvement of their relatives and parents in the genocide.
While this initiative aimed at reconciliation, it faced criticism from some prominent figures who argued that it stigmatized Hutu identity by assigning guilt across generations and making children pay for the sins of their relatives. Some youth Hutus still face discrimination and social exclusion.
“If the Rwandan government truly desires reconciliation and unity among the population, it should cease fueling ethnic hatred. For instance, I am a survivor of massacres committed by the RPF, yet I am unable to commemorate or bury my loved ones with dignity in Rwanda.
This is the only way to build the Rwanda we envision, a country where Hutus and Tutsis can peacefully coexist.” [3] A witness, Patrick Horanimpundu, a survivor of RPF massacres.
“Genocide as a tool to silence critics and consolidation of RPF regime”.
President Paul Kagame, in power since 2000, seeks to reinforce his regime by employing tactics of demonizing critics, often accusing them of genocide denial. This strategy was exemplified when Alain Mukurarinda, Deputy Spokesperson for the government, labelled critics of the UK-Rwanda migration partnership as genocide deniers[4].
In Rwanda, the absence of independent journalists and opposition parties is evident, with the regime frequently branding its opponents as “genocide deniers” to discredit them. Renowned figures targeted by these accusations include Paul Rusesabagina, Hotel Rwanda hero along with his daughter Carine Kanimba. Additionally, Victoire Ingabire, a prominent opposition figure in Rwanda, as well as various journalists, scholars, and organizations critical of the RPF regime, are also targeted.
Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, targeted with fabricated accusations of genocide denial aimed at silencing her, has been barred from participating in the upcoming July presidential elections. [5] This ruling sets the stage for President Kagame, in pursuit of a fourth term, to potentially secure reelection without encountering substantial challenge.
Discussion of the genocide is restricted in both domestic and international media outlets operating within Rwanda. In 2014, the BBC aired an investigative documentary titled “Rwanda’s Untold Story,” [6] which raised controversy by suggesting President Paul Kagame’s involvement in the plane crash that killed his predecessor Habyarimana Juvenal.
Moreover, the documentary presented claims that a significant number of the genocide victims may have been ethnic Hutus, contrary to the government’s narrative. President Kagame condemned the documentary, accusing the BBC of genocide denial, leading to the suspension of BBC broadcasts in the Kinyarwanda language.[7]
Media outlets and journalists exposing wrongdoing by the RPF or highlighting critical societal issues face branding as enemies of the state, genocidaires, or genocide deniers, not just by the BBC but by various other channels as well. Government institutions collaborate with influential RPF members to target and potentially arrest journalists based on their coverage of societal issues.
Additionally, RPF media cells and other government bodies are involved in establishing and funding new YouTube channels and online platforms aimed at threatening, criticizing, and discrediting media outlets, political dissidents, and journalists who expose the RPF’s wrongdoings. Moreover, the government recruits propagandists to disseminate RPF propaganda, instructing them to label critics of Kagame and the RPF as genocidaires or genocide deniers to diminish threats to their power.
As Rwanda and the world approache the 30th anniversary of the genocide, societal struggles persist in achieving unity, reconciliation, and fundemantal rights. Recognizing the atrocities inflicted by the RPF upon Hutus is a crucial advancement toward justice and reconciliation—a pivotal step towards a future where every voice is heard, every tear is valued, and every wounded heart finds solace on the journey to healing.
To achieve this it’s imperative for Rwanda and its global partners to prioritize human rights, democratic values, and inclusive dialogue, fostering justice for a future of peace and harmony among all citizens.
[1] Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide 1948.
[2] UN Mapping report on crimes committed by RPF: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Countries/CD/DRC_MAPPING_REPORT_FINAL_FR.pdf
[3] Interview Patrick Horanimpundu with jambo news available in this link : https://www.jambonews.net/actualites/20180427-rwanda-nous-gardons-espoir-notre-souffrance-sera-reconnue-un-jour-2-3/ last accessed on 6 march 2024.
[4] https://igihe.com/amakuru/article/mukuralinda-yakebuye-abarwanya-gahunda-y-u-rwanda-n-u-bwongereza-bifatanya-n
[5] Nigrizia, Rwanda: Victoire Ingabire, Kagame’s opponent, excluded from the “presidential elections” available on this link : https://www.nigrizia.it/notizia/rwanda-ingabire-kagame-esclusa-presidenziali-elezioni last accesed on 14 march 2024.
[6] BBC documentary “ Rwanda’s Untold Story “ available on : https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x275rs7
[7] BBC «Rwanda suspends BBC broadcasts over genocide film” available on the following link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29762713 last accessed on 14 March 2024.