{"id":104866,"date":"2025-07-06T16:09:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T16:09:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwandan-diaspora-urged-to-counter-misinformation"},"modified":"2025-07-06T16:45:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T16:45:05","slug":"rwandan-diaspora-urged-to-counter-misinformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/rwandan-diaspora-urged-to-counter-misinformation","title":{"rendered":"Rwandan Diaspora Urged to Counter Misinformation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Rwanda\u2019s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has urged members of the Rwandan diaspora to actively counter misinformation targeting Rwanda regarding the crisis in DR Congo, particularly in international media and online platforms.<\/p>\n

He made the call on Saturday, July 5, during Rwanda Convention 2025, an event that celebrates Rwandan culture, achievements, and unity. The three-day event, taking place in Dallas, Texas, also marks the 31st anniversary of Rwanda\u2019s Liberation.<\/p>\n

Speaking to diaspora members, Nduhungirehe emphasised the crucial role they play in shaping global perceptions of Rwanda.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe always say that members of the diaspora are citizens and ambassadors of Rwanda. We know that as a government and embassies, we cannot get everywhere,\u201d he said. Nduhungirehe noted that since the beginning of 2025, following the fall of cities such as Goma and Bukavu in eastern DR Congo, Rwanda has faced growing pressure in the media and from foreign governments, including sanctions, often based on misleading narratives.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was also misinformation, especially from Congo, in media and social media, portraying the conflict as a mineral conflict, without describing the conflict as it truly is.\u201d<\/p>\n

A new report by the UN Group of Experts confirms that DR Congo\u2019s army is collaborating with FDLR, a genocidal militia founded by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, using it as a frontline force.<\/p>\n

However, the report misrepresents Rwanda\u2019s legitimate security concerns about FDLR and its affiliates, which justify Rwanda\u2019s defensive measures along the border. According to government spokesperson Yolande Makolo, the report also makes \u201cfalse allegations of mineral smuggling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nduhungirehe urged members of the diaspora to remain informed, saying, \u201cIt is important for members of the diaspora to first understand this crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso, to talk to our embassies to understand the crisis, and also work with RCAs [Rwandan Community Abroad] to access credible information. Then we can speak or defend the position of the government in our communities, where we live and work.\u201d<\/p>\n

He noted that, \u201cOur position is the one that will bring sustainable peace in our region.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stressed the need to address Rwanda’s security concerns, particularly the threat posed by FDLR and to end the ongoing persecution of Congolese Tutsi and Rwandophone communities, issues for which Rwanda is often unfairly blamed.<\/p>\n

Sheba Rugege, the Executive Board Member of the US Rwanda Community Abroad (USRCA), also encouraged diaspora members to take an active role in countering disinformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn’t depend on just different voices online, but go to actual videos from our ministers and other representatives who can speak clearly about the crisis,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust 31 years ago, we were in such a dark place. There are a lot of people attacking Rwanda simply because they are in awe and we have to tell them: yes, this is true. This is fact.\u201d<\/p>\n\r\n