The greatest bad luck we Rwandans experienced was being colonized by the Belgians – Hon. Mukama Abbas

The Deputy Ombudsman in charge of preventing and fighting corruption, Hon. Mukama Abbas, stated that Rwanda’s colonization by Belgium was the greatest bad luck the Rwandan people faced, saying that the country’s dark historical events were largely influenced by the Belgian monarchy.

Hon. Mukama Abbas made these remarks on April 10, 2025, during the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi held in Kigarama Sector, Kicukiro District.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s history before colonization, during colonial rule, and the post-colonial period leading up to and following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Hon. Mukama emphasized that Rwandans once enjoyed strong unity under their kings, which enabled them to expand the country without divisions or ethnic strife.

He explained that colonialists (Europeans) came with the intent to destroy Rwanda, focusing especially on the cruelty and divisive tactics brought by Belgian colonialism. He stressed that the Belgians divided Rwandans along ethnic lines to facilitate easier control, and this division was the foundation that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

"Let’s start with the very existence of Rwanda—who founded it? It was the kings of Rwanda. The bravery of Rwandans was well known by the whites you speak of. The greatest bad luck we Rwandans suffered was being colonized by the Belgians. When you look at neighboring countries like Uganda, which has more than 60 ethnic groups, they were lucky to have been colonized by the British. Why didn’t they experience such tragedies despite having many ethnicities? For us, the Belgians were the root of our country’s calamity, " he said.

He added that the Belgians took over Rwanda and made it their possession, bringing with them ethnic divisions.

"The Belgians took over Rwanda, Burundi, and Congo and made them their own. The Belgians are the ones who founded the MDR party you often hear about. Ethnic division started there, because before the monarchy, Rwandans were united, " he added.

Hon. Mukama emphasized that the Genocide against the Tutsi was planned and executed, calling on young people to resist and stand up against anyone promoting genocide ideology.

Murenzi M. Donatien, the Director of General Affairs in Kicukiro District, who was the guest of honor at the commemoration event for Kigarama residents killed in the Genocide against the Tutsi, expressed confidence that such a tragedy will never happen again, thanks to the good governance and the continued presence of the army that stopped the genocide.

"We are confident and hopeful, and this confidence stems from three key areas. First, the Rwandan Patriotic Army that stopped the genocide is still here. Second, we have good governance led by His Excellency the President of the Republic. The genocide and its attempts were a result of poor leadership. Today, we have leadership that builds unity among Rwandans and gives us hope for the future," Murenzi M. Donatien stated.

He noted that there are still some Belgians who played a role in Rwanda’s tragic past and are still trying to destabilize the country, including those who continue to spread genocide ideology through modern means such as social media.

"We still have Belgians, as has been mentioned before, who brought and nurtured the seeds of genocide until it was fully implemented. Even today, we still see their actions. Social media is full of disguised genocide ideology, and what’s worse is that it even appears among young children," he said

He called on the youth to be vigilant and brave in fighting against these individuals and urged parents to tell their children the truth about Rwanda’s history.

"That’s why we must not forget our responsibilities. That’s why we must not become complacent. That’s why remembrance is necessary—we must do it always and share the truth with our children, and do so with great determination."

UMUBYEYI Médiatrice, the Executive Secretary of Kigarama Sector, reminded attendees that they should not only remember their loved ones but also strive to ensure that such events never happen again, and that everyone should play a role in building a better Rwanda.

"We remember our loved ones, but we also call upon everyone to work towards preventing these tragedies from happening again. Everyone has a role in building their country, and together, we will achieve the goal of a better Rwanda, " said UMUBYEYI Médiatrice.

Mutanguha Clement, the President of Ibuka in Kigarama Sector, praised the Government of National Unity led by His Excellency President Paul Kagame, who led the liberation struggle that freed Rwanda and its people, enabling Rwandans to now live in peace.

"I sincerely thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, the light of hope for all Rwandans, especially for us genocide survivors. I thank the Rwandan army, and I thank the country’s policy of unity and reconciliation, which eliminated ethnic divisions," he said.