The Media Role In The Unity And Reconciliation Process Among The Rwandans (Case Study, Kigali-Nyarugenge Commune)

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the media role in the

unity and reconciliation process among the Rwandans; that is, does

the media play a negative or positive role and if either of the two, is it

a major role in this process?

The case study of the problem was Kigali city; Nyarugenge commune.

The main areas of the study were the National Unity and Reconciliation

Commission which is one of the institutions in Kigali city spearheading

the unity and reconciliation process. Radio Rwanda; one of media

houses in Kigali city, the IBUKA Association which is an association for

genocide survivors, one of the prisons in Kigali city; and The New

Times one of the print media houses in the city.

Data was collected critically by seeking views from people in the above

mentioned area by use of questionnaires and an interview guide.

The study was guided by the objectives of the study which focused on

the genocide survivors, prisoners, and the general population. Data

was later collected in view of the objectives and analysis tables were

used from which conclusions were drawn.

The views about the problems were then noted significantly basing on

majority contribution. As a result the researcher made the followi11g

general recommendation.

For unity and reconciliation to be a reality, Rwandans should first

appreciate the process and feel the need for it. This process is very

long, but once the Rwandans appreciate it and feel the urge for it, then the long way will be cut short.