The survivors’ association IBUKA has filed a formal complaint against Emmanuel Hagenimana, an employee of Caritas in the Cyangugu Diocese, accusing him of harbouring genocide ideology and of discriminatory practices in the distribution of aid to vulnerable communities.

Hagenimana, who has worked for Caritas since 2021 as a field coordinator overseeing the allocation of food and clothing to those in need, is alleged to have deliberately excluded genocide survivors from receiving assistance. IBUKA claims this conduct is part of a broader pattern of bias and minimisation of the genocide against the Tutsi.

The report, submitted to local authorities and circulated among civil society groups, drew parallels between the current allegation and the historical role some Catholic clergy played during the 1994 genocide. “Once again, the shadow of genocide denial falls within the Church,” the report stated, calling for Caritas to “immediately terminate” Hagenimana’s contract and publicly distance itself from him.

In response, Mr Hagenimana has firmly rejected the accusations. He insists he was following Caritas’ established guidelines, which prioritise assistance based on measurable vulnerability and deprivation, not ethnicity or historical background. “This system was designed to help those most in need. I did not create it, and I have applied it with transparency and integrity,” he said.

Observers familiar with similar cases warn that such accusations can be used as a tool to silence or discredit individuals. “This looks very much like other cases where someone becomes a target for removal or repression, and the process begins with an accusation of genocide ideology,” said one community member who asked to remain anonymous.

The local Church has not issued an official statement yet. However, several voices within the diocese have expressed concern that the incident may damage trust in the Church’s humanitarian work if not handled carefully. “We hope Caritas and the Church leadership will look into this matter with fairness and stand by their staff where there is no wrongdoing,” said one local priest.

The situation remains tense, as authorities continue to review the complaint. Meanwhile, Mr Hagenimana continues to face public scrutiny as he awaits a resolution to what he describes as a deeply unjust and politically motivated attack on his integrity.

https://i0.wp.com/inyenyerinews.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ibuka_ch_100.jpg?fit=219%2C100&ssl=1https://i0.wp.com/inyenyerinews.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ibuka_ch_100.jpg?resize=140%2C100&ssl=1NobleJUSTICE AND RECONCILIATIONRWANDAThe survivors’ association IBUKA has filed a formal complaint against Emmanuel Hagenimana, an employee of Caritas in the Cyangugu Diocese, accusing him of harbouring genocide ideology and of discriminatory practices in the distribution of aid to vulnerable communities. Hagenimana, who has worked for Caritas since 2021 as a field coordinator...PUBLISHING YOUR NEWS WITH CUTTING EDGE STYLE