Factors influencing sustainability of unity and reconciliation in Rwanda after 1994 genocide: case study of Rwanda National Unity and Reconciliation Commission

Abstract

Rwanda National Unity and Reconciliation Commission is constitutionalized commission under the constitution of Rwanda by the law Nﾰ 03/99 as amended and complemented by the law Nﾰ 35/2002, Of 14/1112002 and Arusha peace Accord of 1993. The focus of government of National Unity was to heal and rehabilitate all Rwandans regardless of the ethnic tribes, nepotism, regionalism and races or where one comes from through establishment of Rwanda National Unity and Reconciliation Commissions for sustainable unity and reconciliation for all Rwandans.

Through the initiative of government of National Unity, National Consultative Forum chaired by the president was formed on 9th /05/1998-1999 to review key development centered issues like; The National Unity and reconciliation, Democratic governance, Justice, National economy and National security for sustainable development. The above mentioned forum agreed that national unity and reconciliation is mandatory that had to be followed in the entire country as agreed previously upon by Arusha Peace Accord to foster Unity and Reconciliation among Rwandans and to be put in place to start its functionalities from 1998. (National Consultative Forum Report 1998-1999).

Like many other African countries, South Africa, Kenya has affected by dehumanization people for example 2007/2008 election violation in Kenya. The beginning of the Rwanda's campaign on unity and Reconciliation in 1995 saw a remarkable change on unity and reconciliation and Rwandan identity, attitudes and style of living, a trend of peace and reconciliation building in Rwanda has changed the Rwandan identity from negative attitudes to positive attitudes. The purpose of the study therefore, is to investigate the factors influencing sustainability of Unity and Reconciliation in Rwanda after 1994 genocide.

The study achieved the objectives by adopting descriptive research design in which 35 employees in the commission was targeted. The study used purposive random sampling to sample 35 employees out of the 40 total employees. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data, questionnaires were first be piloted to test reliability of the instruments while validity was evaluated with my supervisor.

Data was analyzed, presented using descriptive statistics such as tabulations, percentages and frequency distribution as indicated in chapter four and five. Some of the findings include good governance and leadership, associations influencing Unity and Reconciliation, Public awareness about Unity and Reconciliation and Monitoring standards. The recommendation is that government of Rwanda and other responsible bodies should consistently emphasis on social, economic, political cohesions' towards sustainability of Unity and Reconciliation in Rwanda across. the country.