Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, Minister of Unity and Civic Engagement, announced that the level of unity among Rwandans reached 95.3% in 2025. This result comes from the five-yearly survey on national unity, reconciliation, and social cohesion.
In 2020, the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission reported that the level of reconciliation among Rwandans was 94.7%. This year’s survey covered 12,300 people, including 8,100 from households and 4,200 from institutions. A total of 123 questions were asked, providing an accurate picture of the situation. Of those surveyed, 52% were women, 48% men, with 47% youth under 35 and 53% over 35 years old. Education levels included 38% primary, 26% secondary, 21% with no formal schooling, 14% university, and 2% vocational training.
According to MINUBUMWE, regarding religion, 41% were Catholic, 24% Protestant (ADEPR), 12% Adventist, 8% Anglican, 3% Presbyterian, 3% Muslim, 2% Methodist, 2% Baptist, 1% Jehovah’s Witnesses, and 1% non-religious.
The survey found that unity among Rwandans is at 95.6%, reconciliation at 95%, and social cohesion at 90.8%. Key factors supporting unity included patriotism and courage (98.7%), traditions, beliefs, and cultural practices (97.9%), Rwandans’ sense of belonging (96%), shared values (95.9%), education on the consequences of the 1994 Genocide (92.6%), and the negative role of political parties involved in the genocide (91.9%).
For reconciliation, the strongest pillars were good social relationships (98.5%), family cohesion (95.9%), shared history (90.6%), and the importance of remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi (99%).
All respondents (100%) expressed pride in being Rwandan, 98% confirmed the political will to build unity, and 98% recognized the heroism of those who liberated the country. Furthermore, 98% affirmed the importance of national education programs such as “Itorero” and “Ndi Umunyarwanda,” 99% acknowledged that the genocide was planned, and 97% stated that being Rwandan transcends other personal identities.
Additionally, 97% believe the current Rwandan government serves all citizens without ethnic discrimination, 96% said history should be taught to youth, and 93% emphasized equal opportunities for all Rwandans.
Regarding threats to unity, 93% noted the impact of parties like Parmehutu and APROSOMA, 93% mentioned MDR, 93% highlighted the role of intellectuals in planning the genocide, and 88% said youth participated in the genocide.
The survey also measured new indicators not previously used. Among districts, Kayonza, Ngoma, Ruhango, Nyanza, and Kirehe scored highest in unity, while Gisagara, Rulindo, Huye, Nyarugenge, and Rusizi were lower. Eastern Province led with 97.2%, Northern Province 95.5%, Southern Province 95.4%, Western Province 94.49%, and Kigali City 93.7%.
However, challenges remain. About 23% reported the presence of genocidal ideology in their communities, 38% observed perpetrators still entrenched, 34% of adults said previously punished individuals continue to harbor hatred, 40% identified harmful social media content from abroad undermining unity, and 32% were unaware of civic responsibilities. Moreover, 45% of survivors still bear the wounds of the 1994 Genocide.
Dr. Bizimana called for reinforcing and expanding programs that teach Rwandan youth values, culture, history, and language to foster national unity. He emphasized the importance of engaging youth in initiatives that build unity within families and communities, combating genocide ideology, and educating Rwandans living abroad about national unity programs.
