On 25 November 2025, Permanent Secretary Eric Mahoro joined stakeholders to reflect on the results of the “Reinforcing Community Capacity for Social Cohesion and Reconciliation through Societal Healing” program, implemented since 2021 by Interpeace Rwanda, Prison Fellowship Rwanda, Haguruka, and Dignité en Détention (DIDE).

Over the past four years, the program has reached more than 12,000 individuals through mental health support, social healing spaces, rehabilitation services, and livelihood initiatives. These interventions aimed to address the lingering social and emotional consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi and promote inclusive community development.

“This program significantly contributed to the mission of the Government of Rwanda to strengthen unity of our people, preserve historical memory and ensure our citizens are resilient to the consequences of our history especially the Genocide against the Tutsi,” PS Mahoro stressed.

One of the program’s significant achievements is the Community Resilience Assessment Framework (CRAF). This framework informed the expansion of the recently released Rwanda Unity Barometer, a tool that tracks progress in national unity, reconciliation, and resilience. According to the Barometer, the pillars of Unity and Reconciliation now stand at 95.3%, reflecting substantial progress in fostering equal opportunities, justice, social protection, and civic engagement.

Despite these achievements, PS Mahoro stressed that challenges remain. 

“Key challenges still faced include the existence of genocide ideology being spread across including in our region, the reintegration of perpetrators of the genocide into the Rwandan community, some of whom still cling to divisive ideologies, the destructive social media particularly operating abroad, and the limited knowledge especially among the youth on the history of Rwanda which eventually makes them more vulnerable to divide,” he noted.

The Permanent Secretary also emphasized the importance of sustaining the program’s results through continued investment in social reintegration, peace education, and youth engagement, particularly with Rwandans living abroad. Engaging young people as agents of peace was identified as a critical strategy to strengthen community cohesion and prevent the spread of divisive ideologies.

He expressed appreciation for the longstanding support of Sweden and the European Union, recognizing their crucial role in enabling civil society organizations to implement programs that inform policy, promote evidence-based decision-making, and support healing and reconciliation initiatives even when the need was less recognized.

PS Mahoro concluded by affirming the Ministry’s commitment to continued collaboration with Interpeace and other civil society partners to address areas requiring strategic focus. He urged stakeholders to maintain momentum in nurturing gains and addressing ongoing challenges in order to build a just, united, and resilient Rwanda.

The event served as both a reflection on progress and a call to action, highlighting that building sustainable unity and resilience is an ongoing process requiring sustained investment, civic engagement, and strong partnerships between the government and civil society.