Redefining Reconciliation in Rwanda

Since the instauration of the International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda in 1994, too much hope has been laid on the judicial system to reconcile the opposing factions and lay the grounds for long term peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. However, a close look at the current situation in and around Rwanda reveals that, although necessary, this particular mechanism does not address some of the real causes of conflict and discontent within the region. Worse yet, it could even have exacerbated the inter-ethnic tensions by putting society in a vicious circle of never ending accusations and promoting a culture of revenge and retribution. This is not to say that the judiciary process is not necessary as it is crucial to eradicate tyranny and the culture of impunity. However, to reach reconciliation, one has to look beyond retributive justice and search closer and deeper into the Rwandan society for the many problems that are holding its people from accepting each other and healing the wounds of the past. The best place to start is to study the pre-genocide conditions, compare them to the current context and then conclude the right mechanisms and strategies to bring peace and solidarity. To say the least, a more comprehensive path to peace and reconciliation must take into considerations the political, social, economic and security issues not only in Rwanda but within the whole interlacustrine region.