The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has addressed recent statements made by Sibomana Athanase, a former journalist at Radio Rwanda, which many observers say amount to genocide denial and distortion of history.
Speaking on April 21, 2026, during a press briefing, RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry Murangira was asked about Sibomana’s controversial remarks shared through his YouTube channel, Sibomana Athanase Official. Dr. Murangira responded firmly:
“The eye of the Investigation Bureau never closes. I think you understand what I mean. If you have seen it, then you know—the eye of the Bureau never sleeps. I have nothing further to add.”
Controversial YouTube Content
On Sibomana’s channel, two videos were uploaded within the past day. One of them, titled “The Truth About the Genocide: Speak Only What You Know”, contains statements widely interpreted as minimizing or distorting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Although Sibomana claims he saved Tutsi lives during the genocide, his commentary repeatedly emphasizes ethnic labels—Hutu and Tutsi—over the national identity of “Rwandan.” He argues that calling someone “Rwandan” is meaningless compared to identifying them by ethnic group.
He also suggests that many who speak about the genocide were not in Rwanda at the time, implying that their accounts are inaccurate or false. Analysts note that such rhetoric closely mirrors the language of genocide denial.
Legal Framework
Rwanda’s 2013 law on genocide ideology and related crimes defines denial as any attempt to distort the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi, with the intent to mislead the public or claim it was not premeditated. The law also defines minimization as speech that reduces the gravity or consequences of the genocide or trivializes the methods used to carry it out.
Penalties for genocide ideology range from five to fifteen years in prison, along with fines between 500,000 Rwandan francs and 2 million Rwandan francs.
Ongoing Concerns
Despite his past career as a journalist, Sibomana Athanase continues to use his platform to spread narratives that many consider harmful and dangerous. His recent videos have sparked widespread concern, with calls for accountability under Rwanda’s strict laws against genocide denial.
Dr. Murangira’s remarks underscore RIB’s vigilance in monitoring such cases, signaling that authorities are closely watching Sibomana’s activities and that legal action may follow if his statements are deemed to violate the law.
