{"id":122302,"date":"2026-04-19T15:20:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T15:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/inside-rwandas-new-genocide-and-conflict-studies-centre"},"modified":"2026-04-19T15:29:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T15:29:07","slug":"inside-rwandas-new-genocide-and-conflict-studies-centre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/inside-rwandas-new-genocide-and-conflict-studies-centre","title":{"rendered":"Inside Rwanda’s New Genocide and Conflict Studies Centre"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The University of Rwanda has launched the Centre for Genocide and Conflict Studies (CGCS), a major step in strengthening the country\u2019s capacity for research, education, and policy engagement on genocide prevention, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation.<\/p>\n

The Centre replaces and builds on the former Centre for Conflict Management (CCM), which served for 27 years, and has now been restructured to address emerging threats such as genocide denial, hate ideology, identity-based tensions, and digital misinformation. More than an academic institution, CGCS is positioned as part of Rwanda\u2019s broader national architecture for prevention, resilience, unity, and sustainable peace.<\/p>\n

Speaking at the launch on April 17, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Prof. Didace Muganga Kayihura, said: \u201cIn real terms, CGCS is not a new centre, but a new version of the Centre for Conflict Management (CCM) that has been operational for the last 27 years,\u201d he said. \u201cA new version that responds to evolving international and regional contexts marked by genocide denial, widespread hate ideology and speech, identity politics, and all forms of manipulation, as well as national development realities.\u201d<\/p>\n

He explained that CCM was created in 1999 with a mandate to generate knowledge on genocide, conflict, and reconstruction through research and training. Over time, it built a strong academic foundation, producing extensive research and training hundreds of postgraduate students in peace and conflict studies.<\/p>\n

According to him, the transition to CGCS preserves continuity while strengthening relevance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe shift from CCM to CGCS introduces change while preserving continuity,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe introduction of \u2018genocide\u2019 in the new name of the Centre, alongside \u2018conflict\u2019, signals a focus on both concepts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Responding to emerging threats<\/p>\n

Kayihura warned that 32 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the region continues to face complex and evolving challenges.<\/p>\n

He noted that genocide denial and hate ideology, amplified by the unethical use of social media and emerging technologies, are becoming increasingly concerning. He further pointed out that internal reports and national consultations have consistently highlighted the persistence of genocide ideology.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecent parliamentary consultations rightly concluded that genocide ideology is persistent in Rwanda and the region,\u201d he said, adding that there is a need to intensify efforts through education, research, and media engagement.<\/p>\n

Against this backdrop, he explained that the CGCS mission is to advance the prevention of genocide and other hate crimes while promoting a culture of peace through research, education, training, and policy dialogue.<\/p>\n

He stressed that this mission is guided by key principles, including the importance of memory, confronting past atrocities, promoting non-violence, respecting diversity, and strengthening dialogue and human rights as foundations for sustainable peace.<\/p>\n

A national and academic responsibility<\/p>\n

Minister of education Joseph Nsengimana underscored that the establishment of the Centre reflects both Rwanda\u2019s history and its future aspirations.<\/p>\n

\u201cUniversities are not only centres of knowledge; they are guardians of memory and architects of the future,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He emphasized that Rwanda\u2019s commitment to genocide prevention is deeply rooted in law and national policy.<\/p>\n

\u201cFollowing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, our country made a deliberate and unwavering commitment: that genocide must never happen again here or anywhere else,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis commitment is not rhetorical. It is constitutional. Article 10 of our Constitution enshrines the prevention and punishment of genocide, the fight against denial and revisionism, and the eradication of genocide ideology and all forms of divisionism.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nsengimana added that genocide prevention in Rwanda is a constitutional obligation, not a policy choice.<\/p>\n

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda delivers remarks on April 17 during the official launch of the Centre for Genocide and Conflict Studies (CGCS), which is expected to strengthen the country\u2019s capacity for research, education, and policy engagement on genocide prevention, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Rwanda, genocide prevention is not a policy choice; it is a constitutional obligation,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cPeace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of knowledge, justice, and shared values.\u201d<\/p>\n

From memory to action<\/p>\n

The minister reflected on lessons from the ongoing commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, warning that the world often had access to early warning information but failed to act.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt reminds us that the international community had the knowledge, but lacked the will,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cMemory without action is not enough; knowledge must become prevention.\u201d<\/p>\n

He emphasized that the CGCS must go beyond academic documentation and actively shape policy, dialogue, and public understanding.<\/p>\n

\u201cGenocide is not an accident of history; it is a process, and processes can be studied, understood, and interrupted,\u201d he said. \u201cThe true measure of academic excellence is not only what we publish, but what we prevent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building future generations and regional impact<\/p>\n

Nsengimana also highlighted the importance of youth engagement, noting that Rwanda\u2019s future depends on how young people are educated and empowered.<\/p>\n

He stressed the need to equip youth with critical thinking skills, ethical grounding, and conflict resolution tools to counter misinformation and division. At the regional level, he said the Centre has the potential to become a hub for knowledge-sharing and collaboration across the Great Lakes region, which continues to face conflict and identity-based tensions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe CGCS has the potential to become a regional resource,\u201d he said. \u201cRwanda\u2019s story is not only one of tragedy; it is also a source of lessons for humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

A centre for research and policy impact<\/p>\n

According to Agge\u0301e Shyaka, the head of the Centre, CGCS will focus on genocide prevention, conflict management, transitional justice, governance, and social cohesion.<\/p>\n

Agge\u0301e Shyaka, Director of the Centre for Genocide and Conflict Studies (CGCS), delivers an overview of the Centre\u2019s objectives, creation and mandate, programmes, key statistics, research and ongoing projects, core partnerships, transition from CCM to CGCS, as well as its rationale, objectives, and thematic areas of focus.<\/p>\n

It will also revamp academic programmes, including the Master\u2019s in Genocide Studies and Prevention, introduce a PhD programme, and expand short courses and policy engagement initiatives.<\/p>\n

Since 1999, the former CCM has produced significant academic output, graduating more than 902 postgraduate students, with an average annual intake of about 100 students.<\/p>\n

The new Centre will also strengthen research clusters, policy dialogue platforms, conferences, and interdisciplinary partnerships, ensuring that research is translated into real-world impact.<\/p>\n

aufitiwabo@newtimesrwanda.com<\/p>\n\r\n