The contribution of truth telling to reconciliation in post genocide Rwanda

Abstract

Rwanda has invested a lot in reconciling Rwandans after the Genocide against the Tutsi, which tore the social fabric, in the country. The forums to ease truth telling in the country were established and in 25 years after the Genocide, genocide perpetrators and survivors are able to live in one village known as a reconciliation village. This is a great achievement if we consider the extent to which the genocide tore the Social fabric and here a question comes in. What was the contribution of truth telling to this reconciliation? This study explored the contribution of truth telling to reconciliation from genocide survivors and perpetrators’ perspective in post-genocide Rwanda. A qualitative approach was used whereby 25 respondents were purposively selected from The KIMONYI Reconciliation Village and interviewed. The study used semi-structured interviews and documentary to collect data and a hermeneutic interpretative analysis for data analysis and interpretation. The study has shown that truth telling played and continues to play a big role in reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda. It removes confusion about what happened, it qualifies the offence committed, it prevents denial and revisionism of the genocide. It identifies perpetrators and the victims. It provides information with the victims about what happened to their loved ones. The findings revealed that Confessions, remorse, apology and forgiveness played a very big role. It eased the process of prosecuting offenders; it removed suspicion among the people from the perpetrator and victim groups. It also reassures victims that perpetrators have now renounced to evil. In addition, it relieves perpetrators who apologise. Furthermore, forgiving relieves and heals. It prevents survivors from grudge and vengeance, and increases trust, confidence, and fosters social cohesion. As far as testimonies are concerned, the research has found that they heal survivors; and help in young generation education. However, they could cause post-traumatic stress disorders to not only those who give their testimonies but also other people because they do not digest information the same way. The study findings asserted that truth telling contributed and continues to contribute much on reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda. However, its side effects should not be ignored and therefore should be dealt with by competent institutions.