Stopping the Rwandan Genocide: Leaders Confront a Path to Unity

Get ready for a journey unlike any other—a journey that could rewrite the pages of history and set a new course for humanity.

Today, we’re traveling back to the heart of Africa, to a moment so critical, it holds the potential to change the destiny of an entire nation. Imagine this: it’s early 1994 in Rwanda, and the nation stands at a breaking point. The air is thick with tension, with a choice that could lead to unimaginable devastation or to a future defined by unity and peace.

But tonight, this is no ordinary gathering. Here, in one room, we have brought together some of the most extraordinary minds and spirits the world has ever known. Picture it—President Juvenal Habyarimana, Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Colonel Theoneste Bagosora, businessman Felicien Kabuga, and RPF leader Paul Kagame. They carry the hopes and fears of millions on their shoulders. And surrounding them are some of the greatest champions of peace and wisdom the world has ever known. Jesus of Nazareth, who taught us the power of love; Mahatma Gandhi, who lived the strength of nonviolence; Nelson Mandela, who led his people from darkness to light; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream of equality changed the world; and Mother Teresa, who showed us that compassion can mend even the most broken hearts.

These are the voices of compassion, justice, and unity. They’re here to do the unthinkable: to guide Rwanda’s leaders, to show them a vision where peace triumphs over division, where reconciliation heals wounds, and where Rwanda becomes a model of strength through unity. This is about choosing a path not of vengeance, but of hope. Tonight, these icons are here to inspire a choice—a choice that could change the future of Rwanda, and maybe even the world.

So lean in, because what’s about to unfold is more than just an imaginary conversation. It’s a chance to watch history in the making. It’s a chance to see if Rwanda’s leaders can be inspired to take a leap of faith, to embrace a vision of unity and compassion, and to leave behind a legacy of peace. This is no ordinary moment—this is Rwanda’s moment to choose its future.

Let’s step in and see if these icons of peace and wisdom can light a new path.

Legacy of Leadership: Choosing Unity Over Division in Rwanda

Setting: President Habyarimana’s Residence, Kigali, Rwanda.

Timeframe: Early evening, February 1994. The soft glow of lamps casts a warm light over the room, filled with an air of calm anticipation. President Juvenal Habyarimana sits with Colonel Theoneste Bagosora and Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana, awaiting a special discussion led by Jesus, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. Outside, tensions in Rwanda are high, but within this room, there’s a rare moment of quiet reflection.

Jesus: (Seated gracefully) Thank you, President Habyarimana, for inviting us here. Rwanda stands at a crossroad, with great opportunity on one side and great risk on the other. I believe you are aware of the power you hold, not just over this country but over the lives and spirits of your people. Each decision you make shapes the future of Rwanda.

Habyarimana: (Pauses, thoughtful) I know we are in a delicate moment, but it’s difficult to ignore the divisions, the history… the fears. My people look to me for strength.

Mandela: (With quiet strength) Strength is not only in the force of power but in the courage to bridge divides. When I was imprisoned for years, I found my way to peace and unity within myself first. This internal strength is what later allowed me to forgive and lead South Africa toward unity, rather than vengeance. You have the opportunity to be remembered as the leader who united Rwanda.

Bagosora: (Leaning forward) But Mandela, the wounds here run deep. These are not simple disagreements; they are rooted in years of conflict, differences, and mistrust. How does a leader convince people to forgive what they cannot forget?

King Jr.: (Gently nodding) Colonel Bagosora, I understand. Forgiveness is a monumental task, but it is the foundation of peace. I dreamed of a “beloved community,” a world where conflicts are settled by understanding rather than violence. Rwanda can become that community, but it requires leaders like you, Colonel, to believe in that vision and guide your people toward it. Even those who feel the most hatred must see your commitment to unity.

Uwilingiyimana: (Eyes filled with concern) But how do we persuade others who are already set on violence? I want this peace, but I fear the voices of hate are too loud. And our people… our people are suffering, torn apart by propaganda that seems to poison every mind.

Jesus: (Looking directly at Uwilingiyimana) Agathe, true strength often appears when hope seems lost. What you describe is the work of those who use fear to gain control. But love casts out fear. If you, as a leader, speak consistently of forgiveness, compassion, and understanding, those seeds will grow. You have the ability to create hope even where there is despair.

Habyarimana: (Deep in thought) But Jesus, how do we sustain this vision? The pressures I face are relentless, and even some within my own ranks doubt this approach. How do I reassure them?

Mandela: (With conviction) Through action, President. Show your people—and even your closest allies—that you are willing to commit to peace not only in words but through real measures. Imagine if you were to set up a council of Tutsi and Hutu leaders, tasked not with assigning blame but with charting a course toward healing. This would be a powerful signal of your intentions.

King Jr.: And the world is watching, President. Rwanda has the potential to be an example, a beacon of hope for other divided nations. Imagine how history will remember you if you choose this path. People across the globe will learn from your leadership. This choice requires sacrifice, yes, but it also paves the way for greatness—one that transcends borders.

Bagosora: (Skeptical yet introspective) But can we trust the Tutsis to abide by this? There are those among them who seek to retaliate. I’ve seen what this conflict has done to our soldiers and civilians alike. If we step toward peace, we must be sure they will do the same.

Jesus: Colonel, trust is earned, yes, but it is also given. When I walked among the people, I called upon each one to live beyond fear and distrust. Extending a hand in peace sometimes means making the first step alone, trusting that others will follow. Rwanda is waiting for such a leader.

Uwilingiyimana: (Turning to Bagosora) Colonel, our people need us to be that first step. If we continue down this path of distrust, what hope do we offer the next generation? I believe Rwanda can be whole, but only if we are willing to be courageous enough to start the healing.

Habyarimana: (Sighing, a glimmer of realization dawning on him) So… it would mean rethinking our approach, even reaching out to those who oppose us. This is not an easy path.

Mandela: (Smiling gently) The path of peace is rarely easy, President. It is filled with challenges, but it is also filled with rewards that no war can ever provide. Choose peace, and Rwanda will remember you not as the leader who succumbed to fear, but as the leader who brought light in a time of darkness.

King Jr.: (Looking directly at Habyarimana) It only takes one decision, one act of courage. You have that power, President Habyarimana. Lead with your heart, and others will follow.

Jesus: Rwanda can be a place of unity, a nation where the past gives way to a brighter future. This is the moment to stand as a true hero, not just for this generation, but for all generations to come. Will you choose to be that hero?

(The room falls silent as Habyarimana looks around at each of his advisors and historical figures. The weight of the decision before him is heavy, but in this moment, he feels a new sense of resolve forming—a sense that there might, indeed, be another way.)

The Economic and Human Cost of Violence in Rwanda's Future

Setting: Banque Commerciale du Rwanda, Kigali.

Timeframe: Early February 1994, in a private meeting room at the bank. The room is formal but carries an atmosphere of urgency as Felicien Kabuga, Rwanda’s wealthiest businessman and financier, arrives for a confidential discussion. His influence is vast, particularly in supporting media that have been sowing seeds of ethnic hatred. Across from him sit Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi. Their expressions are calm but resolute, ready to speak truth to power.

Mandela: (Leaning forward, voice calm but commanding) Mr. Kabuga, thank you for meeting with us. You are a man of great influence here in Rwanda, a man with power not just to shape the economy but to shape the minds of your people. I know you feel responsible for the success and security of this country, but I ask you—how will Rwanda survive if we continue on this path of division?

Kabuga: (Clearing his throat, defensive) Mr. Mandela, my interests are in ensuring stability for my business and our country. Rwanda’s current struggles are complex, and there are people who will not easily give up their ambitions. The media merely reflects the truth of this tension.

Mother Teresa: (Softly, but with a piercing gaze) Mr. Kabuga, I have spent my life serving the poorest of the poor, people who have suffered from violence and division. I’ve seen what hatred does to a community, how it leaves children without parents and families without homes. Rwanda is on the brink of that suffering now. You have the power to change this course, to promote messages of love and unity, instead of fear.

Kabuga: (Shifting slightly, uncomfortable) I understand your compassion, Mother Teresa. But in a nation as divided as ours, there are those who demand justice. If people believe they are under threat, how can they be expected to choose peace?

Gandhi: (Firm yet gentle) Fear is indeed powerful, Mr. Kabuga, but it is also blinding. Once we feed hatred, it consumes everything in its path, including those who believe they are immune to it. I saw this in my homeland, in India, where hatred turned communities against one another. What I learned was this: wealth and power are nothing without a foundation of peace. The seeds of hatred you sow today will grow into the destruction of Rwanda’s future.

Kabuga: (Pauses, visibly processing) But the people need to understand the threat they face. Isn’t it my duty to support them in protecting our nation?

Mandela: (Steady and clear) Your duty, Mr. Kabuga, is to your people—not to a single faction, but to the entirety of Rwanda. When I was released from prison, I could have chosen to hold onto bitterness. There were those who urged me to retaliate, to speak out against those who imprisoned me. But I chose instead to speak of reconciliation, because only in unity could South Africa heal. And that unity is possible for Rwanda as well. But it requires men like you to choose peace over power.

Mother Teresa: (Gently reaching across the table) Mr. Kabuga, you have great wealth, but the richest gifts are those given selflessly. Think of the children here in Rwanda. What kind of future will they have if they grow up amidst fear and hatred? You can give them hope, not through money, but through compassion.

Kabuga: (A hint of doubt crossing his face) Compassion… You speak as if one man’s compassion can change the course of a nation. How would that even begin?

Gandhi: (With a warm but intense gaze) It begins with a single act, Mr. Kabuga. You are supporting a media machine that speaks of division and fear. Imagine, instead, if you used this influence to promote understanding. Imagine if you funded initiatives that celebrated Rwanda’s unity, that encouraged dialogue instead of violence. In my life, I led by showing others the power of nonviolence and peace, and people followed. Rwanda needs a voice of peace now.

Mandela: (Nods, leaning in to emphasize his point) Mr. Kabuga, the people respect you. They look to you for leadership. If they hear you speak of unity, of a vision for Rwanda that includes all its people, they will listen. You have the chance to be the one who prevented Rwanda’s darkest hour.

Kabuga: (Silent, thoughtful) You speak of ideals, but ideals don’t always survive in the real world. This situation… it’s so fragile, so combustible.

Mother Teresa: (A tear in her eye, but her voice steady) Fragile things are often the most precious, Mr. Kabuga. Rwanda’s peace may seem fragile now, but with care and attention, it can grow strong. When you choose love, you are not just making a statement; you are lighting a path for others. Think of all the lives that could be spared, all the children who could grow up knowing only love, not hatred.

Kabuga: (Sighs, visibly affected by their words) So… if I were to take this path, what would it mean? How could I begin?

Gandhi: (Smiling softly) Begin by speaking to your people about peace. Support media that promotes understanding, that tells stories of unity, not division. Encourage programs that bring communities together, that educate the young about coexistence and compassion. Invest in a future where Rwanda is known for its resilience and unity.

Mandela: And think of this, Mr. Kabuga: history remembers those who chose peace over division. In years to come, Rwanda could be a nation of hope and unity, a shining example on this continent. You can help make that a reality. Use your influence to build a bridge, rather than a barrier.

Mother Teresa: (Nods, her voice tender yet firm) Be a man who serves his people, Mr. Kabuga. In the service of love, you will find a peace that no wealth can bring.

(A long silence settles over the room. Kabuga is visibly moved, reflecting on the choice before him—a choice that could alter the course of Rwanda’s future. He looks down, wrestling with the weight of their words, as the seeds of compassion and responsibility begin to take root in his mind.)

Path to Peace: Nonviolent Resistance and Power Sharing in Rwanda

Setting: Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana’s Office, Kigali, Rwanda.

Timeframe: Early March 1994, around a month before the genocide begins. Agathe Uwilingiyimana, a moderate Hutu and the Prime Minister of Rwanda, has called Paul Kagame, leader of the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), for an important discussion. Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa join them to discuss nonviolent resistance, peaceful negotiation, and the possibility of forming a united coalition to counter the rising extremist voices.

Uwilingiyimana: (Nervously glancing around) Thank you all for coming. Tensions are rising daily, and I feel the weight of it with each passing moment. It feels like we’re standing on the edge of a cliff. Colonel Bagosora and his supporters are pushing for conflict, and I fear we’re running out of options.

Kagame: (Calm but resolute) Prime Minister, I agree. This isn’t an easy path. Our people have suffered immensely, and the pressure from my own side to retaliate is growing. But if there’s any chance of peace, we must explore it, however difficult that may be.

Gandhi: (Smiling warmly) Prime Minister, Mr. Kagame, your willingness to meet and discuss peace is already a powerful first step. I have seen conflicts where hatred ruled for generations, and yet, with small acts of courage, peace was found. Nonviolence is not a passive approach; it requires immense courage and strength. You both have that strength. Now, the question is how to use it.

Uwilingiyimana: (Exhaling deeply) But how do we convince others? How do we show them that peace is possible when they’re already so entrenched in hate? Many see reconciliation as a sign of weakness, and they believe violence is the only way forward.

King Jr.: (Nodding thoughtfully) Prime Minister, I understand. In my own struggle, there were those who thought nonviolence was impractical, even foolish. But I’ve always believed that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice. We must show them that the path of peace, though challenging, is ultimately more powerful. Imagine the influence you could have if you created a coalition of moderate Hutu and Tutsi leaders, a united front that stands for peace and justice above all.

Kagame: (Glancing at Uwilingiyimana) A coalition… a movement that transcends these divides. But it would take immense trust and cooperation. With the media spouting hatred every day, and extremists from both sides whispering in people’s ears, how can we bridge this gap?

Mother Teresa: (Her voice soft yet unwavering) Trust is built through small acts of kindness, through moments where people come together and remember that they are not so different. It starts with you, Mr. Kagame. By showing that you believe in peace, that you trust in unity, you inspire others to do the same. You both have the opportunity to become symbols of hope, to show that true strength is found not in division, but in compassion.

Uwilingiyimana: (Turning to King Jr.) Dr. King, you once led a movement that was built on the idea of a “beloved community.” How did you keep people focused on peace when there was so much fear and anger around them?

King Jr.: (Reflective, with conviction) It was challenging, Prime Minister, but we held onto a vision of a community where all people could live together in equality and justice. We reminded people constantly of that dream, of a world where their children could live without fear. For Rwanda, that dream could be a nation where Hutu and Tutsi live side by side, not as enemies but as fellow Rwandans. Focus on that vision, Prime Minister. Use your influence to speak openly about this vision of a peaceful Rwanda, one that stands as an example to the world.

Kagame: (Nods slowly, considering their words) If we were to build this coalition, it would need strong leadership from both sides. The extremists would push back harder than ever, but if we can show unity… maybe others will see that peace is worth the risk.

Gandhi: (Smiling gently) Mr. Kagame, fear is a powerful enemy, but it is one that can be overcome with persistence and a clear moral purpose. True peace requires sacrifice, yes, but the rewards far outweigh those sacrifices. You have the chance to lead not just for today, but for the future of all Rwandans. Your example could create a ripple effect, showing others that peace is possible even in the face of hatred.

Mother Teresa: (With compassion) Think of the children, both Hutu and Tutsi, who deserve a future free from violence. By standing together, by forming this coalition, you give them that chance. You give them a Rwanda filled with hope and compassion, a Rwanda that can heal from its wounds. This is an act of love, and love is the greatest strength of all.

Uwilingiyimana: (Taking a deep breath, visibly moved) You’re right. We can’t let fear dictate our future. We must give our people an alternative—a vision of unity. If we can come together, even just a few of us, we might inspire others to join us. It will be difficult, but I believe Rwanda deserves that chance.

Kagame: (Looking at Uwilingiyimana with newfound resolve) Then let’s make that coalition, Prime Minister. Let’s gather the moderate leaders, both Hutu and Tutsi, and create a platform that rejects violence and demands peace. We can speak to our people, show them that there is a choice beyond hatred.

Gandhi: (Nods approvingly) This is the first step, the most courageous one. Stand together, speak for peace, and show others that unity is possible. You both have the strength to be the voices of reconciliation.

King Jr.: (With warmth) Yes, and remember, the journey toward peace may be long, but every step you take lights the path for others. Lead with love, lead with hope, and show your people that Rwanda can and will overcome this darkness.

Mother Teresa: (With a serene smile) This is a path of service, of love for your people. Let your actions be a testament to the power of compassion, and Rwanda will remember you as the leaders who chose humanity over division.

(The atmosphere in the room shifts, the weight of the mission before them becoming clear. Agathe Uwilingiyimana and Paul Kagame exchange a determined look, aware of the daunting road ahead but emboldened by the words of their advisors. They understand now that peace, though difficult, is worth every effort. A new hope kindles in their hearts as they begin to imagine Rwanda not divided by fear, but united by the courage to choose compassion.)

The Role of Media in Shaping Rwanda’s Path to Peace or Division

Setting: Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) Headquarters, Kigali.

Timeframe: Late February 1994, just after the first broadcasts of hate speech targeting Tutsis have begun to air. In a private meeting room, Felicien Kabuga, the wealthy financier of RTLM, sits with Colonel Theoneste Bagosora, who has close ties to the station’s extremist rhetoric. Nelson Mandela, Jesus, and Gandhi join them to discuss the immense power of media to either divide or unite.

Mandela: (With a calm but intense demeanor) Mr. Kabuga, Colonel Bagosora, thank you for agreeing to meet with us. I know that you have both invested much into the growth of this station. But I am here to ask you: have you considered the weight of your influence? The radio is a tool that shapes how people see each other, how they see Rwanda. What message do you truly wish to send?

Kabuga: (Slightly defensive) Mr. Mandela, we simply broadcast what people want to hear. There is tension in our country, and RTLM is merely reflecting that reality. We’re giving voice to those concerns, to ensure our people stay vigilant.

Jesus: (Gently, with a compassionate gaze) Mr. Kabuga, a voice is powerful, yes, but it can either speak life or bring harm. You hold in your hands the ability to bring understanding or to deepen hatred. Every word that goes out from this station has the power to unite or to tear apart. I ask you to consider: what seeds are you sowing?

Bagosora: (With a sharp tone) Rwanda has been under threat for years. This is not a time for weakness. People need to be aware of who their enemies are; they need to protect themselves.

Gandhi: (Nods, acknowledging Bagosora’s point) Colonel, I understand the desire for security. But true security is found in peace, not in fear. I saw this in my own land—when we used words of division, we divided ourselves. But when we used words of unity, even amidst our differences, we built strength that no threat could dismantle. What kind of Rwanda do you envision for the future?

Kabuga: (Looking uncertain) A strong Rwanda, one where we are safe, where our people are not under constant threat.

Mandela: (Leaning forward, voice steady) And that strength, Mr. Kabuga, can come from showing your people a vision of peace. During my years in South Africa, I understood that our true enemy was not a group of people—it was hatred itself. By fanning the flames of ethnic division, you are not protecting Rwanda. You are preparing it for ruin. But with your influence, you could just as easily bring Rwanda toward unity.

Bagosora: (Crossing his arms) But you speak as if words alone can change reality. The world is not so simple. Those who are intent on violence will not be stopped by a change in tone.

Jesus: (Calmly, with a loving smile) Colonel, words are indeed powerful enough to change reality. I have witnessed lives transformed through the simple choice to love rather than hate. A message of unity can soften even the hardest hearts. Imagine if this station became a place where voices from all walks of life, Hutu and Tutsi alike, could speak their truths and work toward understanding. Such a platform would make Rwanda stronger, not weaker.

Kabuga: (Frowning, visibly conflicted) But the people… they feel anger, resentment. How can we ask them to forget what has happened, to let go of their fears?

Gandhi: (Gently) We are not asking them to forget, Mr. Kabuga. We are asking them to remember in a way that heals rather than divides. Fear can drive people, but so can love, so can compassion. Through this station, you could create programs that tell the stories of resilience, of people who have suffered but found a way to forgive. Stories that bridge the gap between Hutu and Tutsi, that show there is more that binds us than divides us.

Mandela: (Encouragingly) Mr. Kabuga, RTLM can become a platform for a new Rwanda, one where people listen to each other, where they understand each other. Use your voice to remind your listeners that Rwanda’s strength lies in unity, not division. Show them that peace is possible—that it is something worth striving for.

Jesus: (With a soft but powerful tone) Mr. Kabuga, Colonel Bagosora, each of you has a unique role here. Think of how many lives would be saved, how much suffering would be prevented if you chose to speak peace instead of fear. You can help to create a Rwanda that is not haunted by the ghosts of hatred but guided by the light of compassion and understanding.

Kabuga: (Pausing, visibly moved) You truly believe that this can work? That people will hear a message of peace and choose it over their anger?

Gandhi: (Nods with a smile) Yes, Mr. Kabuga. Peace requires courage, and it requires patience, but I have seen it happen, even in the darkest of times. The human heart longs for connection and compassion. Give them that vision, and many will follow.

Bagosora: (Hesitantly, glancing between the speakers) And if this fails? If they choose not to listen?

Mandela: (With conviction) If we do not try, Colonel, we will never know. But if you use RTLM to broadcast messages of unity, stories of shared resilience, you will plant seeds of hope. Even if not everyone listens, those who do will remember. And they will carry that message forward, generation after generation.

Jesus: (His gaze full of compassion) There is always risk in choosing peace. But I promise you, Colonel, the rewards are far greater. Imagine the Rwanda that could come from this choice—a nation healed, a people united, a future free from the pain of hatred.

Kabuga: (Takes a deep breath, finally nodding) I… will consider this. If we could find stories of unity, of Hutu and Tutsi families who helped each other, perhaps that could be part of our broadcasts. Perhaps we can begin to shift our message, slowly.

Mandela: (Nods approvingly) That is all we ask, Mr. Kabuga. A first step. Sometimes that is all it takes to create a wave of change.

Gandhi: (Smiling warmly) Yes, the first step. It may seem small, but it is often the hardest and the most powerful. You have the opportunity to change the course of Rwanda’s history. Embrace it.

Jesus: (Placing a gentle hand on Kabuga’s shoulder) You are not alone in this journey, Mr. Kabuga. The choice to love, to forgive, to build rather than destroy—it is a choice you can make each day. Let this station be a voice of peace, and Rwanda will remember your courage.

(The room is filled with a profound silence as Kabuga and Bagosora consider their words. Their expressions reveal the weight of the decision before them. There is a glimmer of understanding, a hint of resolve forming. In this moment, the possibility of a peaceful Rwanda seems within reach, and they each begin to imagine a path where voices of peace triumph over voices of fear.)

Envisioning a United Rwanda: A Shared Vision for Peace and Reconciliation

Setting: A discreet safe house in Kigali, Rwanda.

Timeframe: Mid-March 1994, just a few weeks before the genocide begins. Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana and Paul Kagame have taken the initiative to gather key figures in a neutral, secure location. They are joined by President Juvenal Habyarimana, Colonel Theoneste Bagosora, and Felicien Kabuga. Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa are present to guide a conversation focused on envisioning a united, peaceful future for Rwanda.

Mandela: (Opening the conversation with a steady voice) Thank you all for coming together. I know that each of you has different perspectives, concerns, and pressures, but tonight, let us speak as Rwandans who seek a future beyond violence. Let us imagine a Rwanda that becomes a beacon of unity.

Habyarimana: (Shifting uneasily) Mr. Mandela, you ask us to imagine unity, but the divisions here are old, deep. It is not easy to bridge these gaps. People are afraid, and fear leads them to distrust.

Jesus: (Looking gently at Habyarimana) Fear does indeed divide us, President. But love and compassion unite us. I ask each of you to consider: what kind of Rwanda do you want to leave behind? If you want your children to inherit a land of peace, a place where they are safe, then you must plant the seeds of love and understanding, even when fear seems overwhelming.

Bagosora: (Crossing his arms, skeptical) It sounds noble, but how do we trust one another? We’ve been hurt, betrayed, over and over. How do we know the other side won’t take advantage of any attempt at peace?

Gandhi: (Nods thoughtfully) Colonel, trust is not built overnight. But every great nation begins with small acts of courage. Imagine, if you will, the power of taking that first step. You have seen how violence only deepens wounds, yet unity has the power to heal. As leaders, it is within your power to model that courage, to show your people that peace is possible. Even a single gesture of goodwill can open doors where once there were walls.

Kagame: (Leaning forward, visibly moved) I, too, have doubts. My people have suffered, and they look to me for justice. But… I wonder if justice without peace is justice at all. Perhaps it is time to break this cycle, to be remembered not as victors or losers, but as the generation that changed Rwanda’s future.

Mother Teresa: (With a soft yet powerful tone) Mr. Kagame, Mr. Kabuga, Colonel Bagosora, true justice is found in love. Every time you show kindness, every time you forgive, you give life to Rwanda. Imagine a Rwanda where neighbors care for one another, where children grow up not knowing hatred but understanding compassion. You can create that future with every choice you make.

Kabuga: (Reflecting, visibly uncertain) But these ideas—love, compassion—are they enough in a world that feels so precarious? People are desperate; they feel vulnerable.

King Jr.: (Nods gently) Mr. Kabuga, I once spoke of a dream, a vision of a world where people were judged not by their background but by the content of their character. Rwanda, too, can be that place. If each of you here commits to this dream, your people will follow. It starts with leaders who dare to speak of hope instead of fear, who envision a shared future, not a fractured one. This is not just idealism; it is a vision that has transformed nations.

Uwilingiyimana: (Voice filled with emotion) I am ready to try, to take that first step. I see the suffering all around us, and I believe in a Rwanda where we can all live in peace. But I cannot do this alone. I need each of you to join me, to believe in this vision with me.

Habyarimana: (Looking down, deep in thought) This vision… I can see its appeal, but the pressures, the voices around me—they push for division. They tell me that unity is weakness.

Mandela: (Firmly, with intensity) President Habyarimana, unity is strength. I faced those same voices in South Africa, voices that said peace was a fool’s dream. But I chose that dream, and today South Africa stands as a testament to the power of reconciliation. Rwanda can do the same. Imagine the pride, the legacy you would leave behind, not as a leader who divided but as one who united.

Jesus: (Leaning toward Habyarimana, with warmth and understanding) True courage, President, is found in serving others, in lifting them beyond fear. You have the chance to create a legacy that outlives you, a legacy of hope and healing. Your people need to see you choose peace, to see you believe that Rwanda can become whole again.

Bagosora: (Silent, visibly moved, his usual harsh demeanor softened) If… if I were to consider this, to truly commit to peace, what would it look like?

Gandhi: (Smiling gently) It begins with small actions, Colonel. Encourage dialogue between communities. Support those who reach across divides. Create spaces where Hutu and Tutsi can meet as Rwandans, not as enemies. Even one such meeting can begin to break down the walls of hatred.

Kabuga: (Sighing, visibly reflective) If this station, this media that I’ve helped build… if it were to become a platform for unity rather than division, perhaps that could be one of those small steps.

King Jr.: (Nods approvingly) Exactly, Mr. Kabuga. Let your media carry stories of resilience, stories of families who have helped one another, even in these troubled times. Remind people of their shared humanity, of the hope that still lives beneath the surface. That message will resonate deeply.

Mother Teresa: (With gentle conviction) Each of you has been placed here with a purpose. Think of the children who will grow up in the Rwanda you create. Will they grow up knowing hatred, or will they see a world built on compassion? Every act of kindness you choose now will shape their future.

Kagame: (Looking at Habyarimana and Bagosora) Perhaps… perhaps we can try. Even with all our wounds, all our fears, perhaps we can choose this path. I don’t know what the future holds, but I am willing to step toward it with hope.

Uwilingiyimana: (Nods, her eyes filled with hope) And I will stand with you. Together, we can show Rwanda that there is another way, that unity is our strength.

Mandela: (With a sense of pride and encouragement) That is the spirit of true leadership. It takes great courage to turn away from anger and choose peace. History will remember you as the generation that gave Rwanda back its hope.

Jesus: (Smiling softly) Remember, you are never alone in choosing love over fear. When you act with compassion, you create ripples that spread beyond what you can see. Rwanda’s healing can begin here, in this very room, with each of you.

(The room falls into a powerful, contemplative silence. The leaders glance at each other, seeing one another not as adversaries but as fellow Rwandans for perhaps the first time. The sense of possibility hangs thick in the air as they begin to imagine, together, a Rwanda where peace prevails, where unity is the legacy they leave for future generations. The first steps toward reconciliation and a shared future have been set in motion.)

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