The role of Unity and Reconciliation Clubs in post Genocide peace building in Rwanda: A Case of Urumuri Club in Kamonyi District

Abstract

This research investigated the Role of Unity and Reconciliation Clubs in post Genocide Rwanda. Similarly, the study has identified the programs conducted by the Unity and Reconciliation Clubs, the relationship to unity and reconciliation and the challenges faced during the implementation of these programs. It used a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative research designs and was conducted on a sample of 55 respondents selected by using purposive sampling methods. The findings of this research disclosed that the Urumuri club played a great role in Post genocide Rwanda unity and reconciliation. In this regard, the key unity and reconciliation programs conducted by urumuri club were Community mutual assistance, developing conviviality community by strengthening community social relations, conducting Unity and reconciliation awareness campaigns, Community economic empowerment through tontines encouraging Urumuri Club members and neighborhood for saving and requesting of loans for investment. The study findings revealed that these programs were effective in boosting the unity and reconciliation process by fostering the community social cohesion, discussing, understanding the past, the present and envisioning the future of Rwanda, and improving the community human security and the well being which are among the fundamental dimensions of unity and reconciliation in post genocide Rwanda. In addition, the research findings identified some challenges encountered during the implementation of unity and reconciliation programs. They mainly include the ethnic-based stereotypes, the persistence of genocide ideology, and the wounds resulting from the divisive past and the genocide not yet fully healed, insufficient financial resources to support the local forums, community associations and club of unity and reconciliation. Given these challenges, the study findings suggested the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement to continuously monitor the implementation of policies and guidelines on the unity and reconciliation, and fight against genocide ideology, to closely approach unity and reconciliation clubs and encourage them to directly participate in programs promoting the unity and reconciliation, and support the programs of unity and reconciliation clubs countywide by providing sufficient funds.