Narratives of Rwandan youth on post-genocidereconciliation: contesting discourses and identities in themaking

Ataci, Tugce

doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2021.1950661

Narratives of Rwandan youth on post-genocidereconciliation: contesting discourses and identities in themaking

Citation

Ataci T. Narratives of Rwandan youth on post-genocidereconciliation: contesting discourses and identities in themaking. J Youth Stud. 2022;25(10):1316-33. DOI: 10.1080/13676261.2021.1950661

Abstract

Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in 2019 with secondary school students in Kigali, Rwanda, this paper aims to shed light on the stance of Rwandan youth on recent policies and discussions about post-genocide reconciliation and peacebuilding. This article discusses the narratives articulated by Rwandan youth on three levels: positioning in relation to the Rwandan government, positioning the self and others in their communities and positioning the self in relation to ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ (I am Rwandan). The discussion of these narratives is based on the concepts of participatory spaces and positioning theory. The findings show that the legacy of the genocide, as well as the reconciliation process, is being performed through everyday actions by the youth. However, the limitations of participatory spaces prevent Rwandan youth from having their positions communicated, negotiated and diversified.