The session was organized by MINUBUMWE in collaboration with Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, targeting especially youth who returned from armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as those less often reached by civic education programs, such as motorcycle taxi operators, cyclists, cooperative artisans, and small-scale cross-border traders.

In his address, Minister Bizimana reminded the youth that before the arrival of colonialists, Rwandans lived in harmony, united as brothers and sisters who shared one nation, culture, values, and taboos. This spirit, he said, made them feel a deep responsibility to serve their country selflessly, thereby strengthening their unity.

He cited historical examples, including Chief Rwagataraka from the present-day Rusizi area, who, under the guidance of King Musinga, promoted development by introducing coffee growing and establishing a processing plant, as well as improving livestock practices such as milk preservation. Another example was King Rudahigwa, who dedicated every Friday to receiving citizens with concerns or ideas, ensuring that no one was turned away.

Minister Bizimana explained that colonialists disrupted these values by imposing foreign beliefs and divisive ideologies. They labeled those who rejected their religion as pagans to be shunned  something King Musinga opposed.

He further noted that the ethnic-based ideology of PARMEHUTU, starting in 1959, destroyed Rwanda’s unity, stripping Tutsi of their rights, driving many into exile, and ultimately leading to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, during which over one million lives were lost simply because they were Tutsi.

He urged parents not to instill divisive ideologies, ethnic hatred or discrimination in their children, and called on the younger generation not to inherit such hatred. Instead, he emphasized the importance of embracing Rwanda’s collective choice of unity under one identity  being Rwandan.

Finally, Minister Bizimana encouraged the youth to commit to understanding Rwanda’s history, to reject harmful practices, and to invest their energy in strengthening unity and resilience. He asked them to be at the forefront of refuting distortion of Rwanda’s history on social media, and to fight against hate speech, divisionism, genocide denial and minimization.

“Our choice must always be ONE RWANDAN IDENTITY,” he stressed.