Ibuka Europe issued a statement on November 26, 2024, condemning the recent killings of genocide survivors in Rwanda, including Nduwamungu Pauline. Signed by representatives from its European chapters, the statement highlights the persistence of genocide ideology and calls for improved security, judicial accountability, legislative reforms, and educational initiatives to protect survivors.

While timely, many survivors view the statement as too little, too late and, in some ways, lacking meaningful impact or value. Ibuka has often remained silent on killings attributed to the government, including high-profile cases like Kizito Mihigo and the Rwigara family, as well as lesser-known victims like Jean-Paul Mwiseneza, beheaded by the government agents in 2017 for his association with Diane Rwigara.

Critics argue that Ibuka’s selective responses align with the government’s narrative, speaking out only after these killings are referenced by officials like President Kagame, who implied that Nduwamungu Pauline was killed by those who had a role in genocide even before investigations or trials had commenced.

Ibuka’s calculus for responding appears driven by political convenience: it speaks out when aligned with government interests or when reactions coincidently serve both the government and survivors. When advocating for survivors risks displeasing the government, silence prevails.

Meanwhile, the regime has exploited the killings of survivors as propaganda to target political opponents like Ingabire Victoire, branding them as genocide ideologues while positioning itself as the protector of survivors. This creates a divisive narrative, reinforcing state authority, while many killings of survivors—even those involving genocide perpetrators—are usually ignored to preserve the government’s carefully crafted image of reconciliation.

This selective outrage raises critical questions about whose interests are truly being served. Survivors deserve consistent advocacy, free from political manipulation. I encourage you to read Ibuka Europe’s statement in full to form your own perspective.