First Lady Jeannette Kagame on April 8 attended the live premiering of Hate Radio, a play recounting the harrowing story of how Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) fueled the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.
Showcased at the Kigali Convention Centre, Hate Radio aims to, among others, confront the destructive nature of hate speech and promote understanding, empathy, and healing.
RTLM was an extremist radio set up and financed by hard-line extremists. Described by scholars as having been a de facto arm of the genocidal government, it played a significant role in inciting the massacres that took place from April to July 1994. Its programmes called on the public to hunt and kill all the Tutsi in Rwanda during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
As the world commemorates the tragedy which took over a million lives, the First Lady’s presence at the event underscored the importance of fighting against hate speech in all forms.
“Hate Radio” became an official part of Rwanda’s 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in partnership with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Education.
The play was showcased at the University of Rwanda’s Huye Campus on April 4 and 5. It will again be performed live at the Kigali Convention Center on April 9 and 10, with gates opening at 5pm and the show starting at 7pm.
In his address at the event, Jean Damascene Bizimana, the head of the Ministry, highlighted the broader issue of hate speech in media as not just limited to RTLM, citing several examples from party newspapers such as APROSSOMA, PARMEHUTU, MRND and MDR-POWER that published hate speech and propaganda during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He further explained how RTLM was established by state authorities, including President Habyarimana, intelligent individuals, and influential businessmen, which ultimately facilitated the tragic events.
Bizimana urged the youth to learn from this history and actively promote national pride, fight against genocide ideology and support their country’s leadership.
Hate Radio was showcased at the University of Rwanda’s Huye Campus on April 4 and 5. It will again be performed live at the Kigali Convention Center on April 9 and 10, with gates opening at 5pm and the show starting at 7pm.
“Hate Radio” has been performed more than 340 times in 40 countries, sparking discussions about Rwanda’s history and ways to prevent similar tragedies caused by hate speech on radio stations from happening again.
The concept, text, and direction of the play are the work of Milo Rau Dramaturgy, with Jens Diethrich producing. The live cast includes Sebastien Foucault, Diogéne Ntarindwa (Atome), Bwanga Pilipili, and Eric Ngangare. Mascha Euchner-Martine and Milena Kipfmuller serve as assistant directors.
