Addressing Misinformation and Preserving Historical Truth
The Wikimedia Rwanda team is working to correct online narratives about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which have been distorted or denied by some individuals. This effort becomes even more critical in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), where systems often deliver unfiltered information that may not be accurate. Wikimedians emphasize that Rwanda has long advocated for the correct use of terminology and factual representation of the genocide, which claimed over one million lives. However, despite the availability of verified facts, some continue to spread false narratives.
During a one-day workshop held on April 18, volunteers highlighted concerns about hundreds of inaccurate online articles that are widely accessed by young people seeking to learn about the country’s history. This poses a serious risk, as these audiences may internalize and carry forward distorted narratives. Many of these misleading accounts are used by Genocide deniers, groups opposed to the Rwandan government, and actors linked to states that supported the killings.
The internet remains a primary source of information for millions worldwide, making it essential to ensure accurate, well-sourced, and accessible content about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on platforms like Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. This contributes to collective memory, education, and the fight against misinformation and Genocide denial.
“We believe that memory is not passive but an act of resistance,” said Derrick Ndahiro, Executive Director of Wikipedia Rwanda. “Through documentation and knowledge sharing, we refuse to let denial and oblivion have the final word.”
Ndahiro explained that the goal is to improve and expand Wikipedia content on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Kinyarwanda, French, and English by ensuring accurate, well-sourced information is available globally. This includes uploading and properly documenting high-quality photographs, survivor testimonies, content on memorial sites, and other historical materials on Wikimedia Commons. He also emphasized training both new and experienced editors on responsible Wikipedia editing, while combating misinformation and denial.
The initiative seeks to empower Rwandan youth and the wider public to take part in documenting and preserving national history and collective memory through platforms. “The effort targets Rwandan youth, history enthusiasts, and anyone committed to ensuring accurate documentation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” he said.
Ndahiro pointed out that terminologies such as ‘Rwandan Genocide’ or the figure of 800,000 victims have been widely used instead of the correct appellation and numbers, the “1994 Genocide against the Tutsi” and “over one million Tutsi” killed since the number keeps increasing as exhumation continues.
“It is shocking that when you read about Genocide convicts, you cannot find details about their crimes. Instead, the focus is on their legacy or the government roles they held,” he said. “We have the right to edit those articles, and that is why we have stepped in to correct them for the benefit of young people,” he noted.
Ndahiro added that much information is still missing on Wikipedia, including testimonies, songs, and the recently recognized Genocide Memorial sites by UNESCO. “The team aims to make such content accessible to everyone, regardless of their capacity, and that features such as new photos and audio could be integrated to make the information easier to consume,” he said.
The Role of Reliable Sources
Claude Nizeyimana, Director of the National Library, noted that Wikipedians should seek more accurate information from reliable documents found in books, many of which are kept at the National Library, housed within the National Unity and Civic Engagement. He urged them to avoid relying solely on online sources, which can sometimes be misleading.
“They need to feed AI with accurate information. The facilities are open to everyone, and we welcome them to learn more. We have books, digital resources, newspapers, and gazettes. They are on the front lines of correcting such information,” he said.
Dady De Maximo Mwicila Mitali, a Genocide survivor and fashion designer based in Denmark who attended the workshop, said that every survivor should write the history they lived through and correct the distorted narratives about the slain Tutsi victims. “They were people with a name and a face. They were Tutsi. They were thrown into the rivers and Lakes after being tortured during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi,” he said.
“Beyond simply counting the remains, we have a duty to write about their suffering. We must describe for each one what their body was like, where it fell, how they were murdered, what their life was like, and what their death was like,” he added.
