France: AMI participated in Dialogue avec la Communauté Rwandaise en Europe
On 21st February 2026, in Paris, Jean de Dieu Uwizeye, a staff member of Association Modeste et Innocent, participated in a high-level dialogue entitled “Dialogue avec la Communauté Rwandaise en Europe.”The event brought together members of the Rwandan diaspora living in France and other European countries, with a strong representation of young people committed to contributing to Rwanda’s future.
The dialogue focused on strengthening unity, resilience, and sustainable peace among Rwandans living abroad. It was organized by Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and the Embassy of Rwanda in France, in partnership with Interpeace. The gathering created a meaningful platform for open discussion on national identity, reconciliation, and the role of the diaspora in safeguarding Rwanda’s unity.
During the session, Jean de Dieu Uwizeye shared a powerful personal testimony about his journey of healing and transformation through the Ndi Umunyarwanda program. He explained how the initiative helped him confront painful memories, overcome divisions, and embrace self-acceptance rooted in a shared national identity. His story deeply resonated with participants, especially the youth, encouraging them to actively promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective responsibility wherever they live.
Uwizeye emphasized that unity is not merely a concept but a daily commitment to truth, empathy, and solidarity. He highlighted AMI’s grassroots peacebuilding work in communities across Rwanda, particularly in fostering reconciliation, preventing conflict, and empowering young people to become ambassadors of peace.
In his remarks during the dialogue, Jean-Damascène Bizimana, Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, commended organizations such as AMI for their consistent contribution to building sustainable peace. He underlined that civil society organizations play a vital complementary role to government efforts by engaging communities directly, promoting healing initiatives, and nurturing a culture of unity.
Minister Bizimana noted that AMI’s work in reconciliation, peace promotion and youth engagement reflects the spirit of resilience that continues to shape Rwanda’s transformation.
The event reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding Rwanda’s achievements in unity and reconciliation. It also strengthened collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations like AMI, and members of the diaspora.
AMI remains committed to advancing unity, reconciliation, and sustainable peace both within Rwanda and among Rwandan communities abroad. Through dialogue, testimony, and community-based initiatives, the organization continues to contribute to a future grounded in shared identity, dignity, and lasting peace.