Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, Rwanda's Minister of Unity and National Guidance, has emphasized the need for authorities to tackle the remnants of the PARMEHUTU ideology in the Southern Province. He made these remarks during a meeting with various stakeholders at the Unity Club Intwararumuri in Ruhango District. The minister highlighted that the ideology, which promotes Hutu supremacy, still lingers in some areas.
According to Dr. Bizimana, the PARMEHUTU ideology was prevalent in the former Gitarama Prefecture during the regimes of President Grégoire Kayibanda and Juvénal Habyarimana. He noted that the ideology fueled hate speech and ultimately led to the genocide against the Tutsi population in 1994. The minister stressed that if left unchecked, the ideology could continue to cause divisions among Rwandans.
Dr. Bizimana cited the example of the 1970s and 1980s, when the PARMEHUTU ideology was used to incite violence against the Tutsi population. He recalled that during this period, the Hutu-dominated government propagated hate speech through music and other forms of expression. The minister urged stakeholders to take concrete measures to eradicate the ideology and promote unity among Rwandans.
The minister also touched on the 1994 genocide, which he attributed to the lingering effects of the PARMEHUTU ideology. He stated that the genocide resulted in the deaths of over 70 politicians from the Gitarama Prefecture, mostly from the Hutu ethnic group. Dr. Bizimana emphasized that it is essential to address the root causes of the genocide to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Charles Nzabonimana, a resident of Mbuye Sector, shared his personal experience of being affected by the PARMEHUTU ideology. He recounted that his family was impacted by the 1994 genocide, which resulted in the deaths of his parents and siblings. Nzabonimana's testimony underscored the need for authorities to take concrete measures to combat the ideology.
Dr. Bizimana urged stakeholders to spread the message of unity and reconciliation throughout their communities. He emphasized that the fight against the PARMEHUTU ideology requires a collective effort from all Rwandans. The minister encouraged citizens to report any instances of hate speech or ideology promotion to the relevant authorities.
The meeting in Ruhango District brought together various stakeholders, including local leaders and representatives from different sectors. The discussions focused on strategies to combat the PARMEHUTU ideology and promote unity among Rwandans. Key points from the meeting include:
Key points
- Dr. Bizimana urges authorities to address lingering PARMEHUTU ideology in Southern Province.
- The PARMEHUTU ideology fueled hate speech and led to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi population.
- Dr. Bizimana calls for collective effort to combat the ideology and promote unity among Rwandans.
