On September 22, 2026, Rwandan Minister of Unity and National Guidance, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, addressed 78 women who have been convicted of participating in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi population. The women are nearing the end of their sentences and are attending a training program aimed at preparing them for reintegration into society. Dr. Bizimana emphasized the importance of revealing the truth to their families about their roles in the genocide.
The training program, which started in March 2026, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Unity and National Guidance and the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS). The program aims to equip the convicts with the necessary skills to reintegrate into society and renounce genocidal ideology. Dr. Bizimana stressed that the families of the convicts expect them to have changed and to be willing to make amends for their past actions.
Dr. Bizimana urged the convicts to be honest with their families about their involvement in the genocide, which he believes is a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation. He emphasized that revealing the truth is not easy, but it is necessary for rebuilding and moving forward. The Minister also encouraged the convicts to distance themselves from genocidal ideology and to work towards rebuilding their lives.
Since the program began in March 2025, a total of 2,826 convicts have been trained, including 2,544 men and 282 women. The program aims to equip them with the necessary skills to reintegrate into society and contribute to the country's development. The convicts are expected to renounce genocidal ideology and work towards rebuilding their lives.
Dr. Bizimana emphasized that the families of the convicts expect them to have changed and to be willing to make amends for their past actions. He urged the convicts to be honest with their families and to take responsibility for their actions. The Minister believes that this is a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation.
The training program focuses on promoting unity and national guidance, as well as combating genocidal ideology. The convicts are taught to renounce their past actions and to work towards rebuilding their lives. Dr. Bizimana believes that this program is essential for promoting reconciliation and healing in Rwanda.
The program is part of the Rwandan government's efforts to promote reconciliation and healing in the country. The government has been working to promote unity and national guidance, as well as to combat genocidal ideology. Dr. Bizimana's address to the convicts is part of these efforts.
Key points
- Dr. Bizimana urges genocide convicts to reveal truth to families
- 2,826 convicts have been trained since program began in March 2025
- Program aims to promote unity, national guidance, and combat genocidal ideology
