Daring to dream the future
In Rwanda, one cannot talk about freedom of speech, without taking into account the role of the media in the recent history of our country. In 1994, Rwanda descended into genocide, where the government of the day sought to exterminate the Tutsi population. Earlier in 1990, a section of Rwandans under the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) had launched an armed struggle from neighboring Uganda.
The RPF mainly aimed at the return of refugees who had lived in camps in neighboring countries for more than three decades. The authorities at the time embarked on a campaign of hate, directed at the Tutsi population, who they said did not belong in Rwanda.
That saw the rise of hate media. A virulent hate campaign against the Tutsi got underway. A newspaper; Kangura was used for inciting people to carry out genocide against the Tutsi. Its editorial policy was clearly divisive and aimed at conditioning the Hutu population to hate the Tutsi. It was soon joined by a radio station RTLM, that would even air names and direct killers where to find their victims.
Thus the struggle for freedom of speech in Rwanda must be seen in this context. Nevertheless, I choose to practice journalism with confidence of its positive role in society. A free media, devoid of bad influences, I believe strongly, can play a monumental role in creating a democratic society. The misuse of the media in genocide is lamentable, and that bad association still impacts on free speech.
Regulating the media, a tool of free speech therefore is a practical necessity since there is determination to ensure it is not abused. We in the media, have to be part of the reconciliation process rather than advocates of hate and division.
I am eternally hopeful that the unfortunate past will never happen again. And I look out for the positive aspects of what I do as a journalist. The worst can only be in the past, so I hope.
For media practitioners, like me, it is always a challenge because there is need to ensure that free speech does not deteriorate into free hate speech. All the same Rwanda is on the upward trajectory and the commitment to have a better future is there. A lot has been achieved in post genocide Rwanda in the struggle for free speech, but the journey is ongoing, since it is a process. What is important is that it does not veer off track.
Frank Kagabo
Sub Editor of The Sunday Times
Kigali, Rwanda
Sub Editor of The Sunday Times
Kigali, Rwanda