Rwanda has shown ingenuity in conflict transformation thanks to the policy of National Unity and Reconciliation, as well as to the participatory and innovative justice system known as Gacaca.

The sources of conflict in Rwanda – and in Africa’s Great Lakes region, in general – can be divided into three categories: its colonial heritage, chronic bad governance and conflict-generating political systems.

Rwanda is a prime example of a post-conflict society that is using film, theatre music, and other creative industries in its journey toward reconciliation and rebuilding.

Following a critical UN report alleging that Uganda and Rwanda have been supporting the March 23 Movement (M23) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda has threatened to withdraw its forces from regional peacekeeping engagements; an ill-conceived step which undermines its national interests.

Tackling the root causes of war between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo requires an end to the culture of impunity, particularly the prosecution of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).

Gacaca Courts – local courts based upon communitarian values – were recovered from previous traditions by the post-genocide government; focusing not necessarily on punishment, but first and foremost on forgiveness and reconciliation.