Rwanda Youth Tour 2024: Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe Reflects on Post-Genocide Reconciliation Efforts

By Igabe Rukundo Regis

Kigali, July 22, 2024 — General (Rtd) James Kabarebe, the Minister of State for Regional Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MINAFET), delivered an eloquent speech today on the progress Rwanda has made in reconciliation efforts since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. His remarks came during the launch of the “Rwanda Youth Tour 2024,” an initiative aimed at connecting Rwandan youth in the diaspora with their homeland.

The event, held at the MINAFET headquarters in Kigali, was attended by youth from Rwandan communities abroad and officials from MINAFET. The “Rwanda Youth Tour 2024” program is designed to foster a deeper connection between young Rwandans living abroad and their cultural roots. It seeks to educate participants about Rwanda’s history, development, and ongoing efforts in reconciliation.

General Kabarebe emphasized the importance of initiatives like the “Rwanda Youth Tour 2024” in strengthening ties between Rwandans across the globe and promoting a shared understanding of Rwanda’s progress and challenges post-genocide. He reflected on the tragic events of 1994 when Rwanda was torn apart by ethnic violence, resulting in the loss of over a million lives. He credited the resilience and unity of the Rwandan people for the remarkable progress achieved in reconciliation, economic development, and social cohesion.

“The Rwanda Youth Tour 2024 is not just a journey of physical travel but a journey of discovery, understanding, and appreciation of our shared heritage,” General Kabarebe stated. He encouraged young Rwandans in the diaspora to actively engage in initiatives that contribute to Rwanda’s continued growth and to participate in building a future based on unity, reconciliation, and prosperity.

The initiative, organized by MINAFET in collaboration with Rwandan embassies and diaspora communities worldwide, will include visits to historical sites, meetings with government officials, and cultural exchanges aimed at nurturing a sense of belonging and pride in participants.

In conclusion, General Kabarebe reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to healing the wounds of the past while embracing a future of hope and opportunity for all Rwandans, both at home and abroad. The “Rwanda Youth Tour 2024” serves not only as a platform for education and cultural exchange but also as a testament to Rwanda’s enduring spirit of resilience and unity.