National Unity and Reconciliation through a Professional Based Media in the District of Nyamagabe, Rwanda

ABSTRACT 

This study “National Unity and Reconciliation through a Professional Based Media in the District of Nyamagabe, Rwanda” was aimed at finding out the extent to which a professional media influences a national unity and reconciliation process as previous studies have covered the same study but emphasizing on Gacaca courts and reconciliation. Therefore, the research was carried out in media sector and in Nyamagabe District, Rwanda. This study has used a descriptive approach in that quantitative and qualitative designs were used. As far as quantitative design is concerned, the questionnaire was used. For the qualitative research design, interview, observation, and documentation were used in data collection process. Sampling of respondents was based on Sliven’s formula and the total population was made of 218 respondents from both private and public media as well as the population of Nyamagabe district. This study has mainly focused on three main points: justice, forgiveness as well as compensation role in unity and reconciliation in Rwanda. Respondents views on the role of justice in the achievement of unity and reconciliation in Rwanda is low while the role of forgiveness is moderate according to the results of the survey. As it was represented by the data got from the survey, the level of understanding of the role of compensation in unity and reconciliation is still low. Thus, all stakeholders involved in national unity and reconciliation have to put many efforts in the explanation to various categories of Rwandans of what is compensation and how it will lead to effective unity and reconciliation. The government of Rwanda has the main responsibility of putting in place all positive mechanisms and policies to strengthen unity and reconciliation among the population of Rwanda. Media sector should be continuously used in making news articles and programs on unity and reconciliation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION A i

DECLARATION B ii

APPROVAL SHEET iii

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v

TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

LIST OF TABLES ix

LIST OF FIGURES x

LIST OF ABREVIATIONS xi

ABSTRACT xii

CHAPTER ONE 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study I

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Objectives 5

General Objective 5

Specific Objectives 5

Research Questions 5

Scope 6

Geographical Scope 6

Content Scope 6

Theoretical Scope 6

Significance of the Study 6

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 7

CHAPTER iWO 9

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 9

Introduction 9

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Authors/Experts 9

Professional media 11

Theoretical Perspectives 12

Related Studies 13

CHAPTER THREE 15

METHODOLOGY 15

Introduction 15

Research Design 15

Research area and Population 15

Sample Size 16

Sampling Procedures 17

Research Instruments 18

Validity and Reliability of the Instruments 18

Data Gathering Procedures 18

Data Analysis and interpretation 19

Ethical Considerations 20

Limitations of the Study 20

CHAPTER FOUR 21

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 21

Introduction 21

The role of justice in the achievement of unity and reconciliation in Rwanda 21

Contribution of forgiveness in the achievement of unity and reconciliation in Rwanda 23

The role of compensation in the achievement of unity and reconciliation in Rwanda 26

The levels of professionalism based media versus the level of unity and reconciliation in Rwanda 28

CHAPTER FIVE 30

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 30

Introduction 30

Summary of the major findings 30

Conclusions 31

Recommendations 31

The government of Rwanda 31

Local community and civil society 32

International community 32

Media institutions 33

Areas for further research 33

REFERENCES 34

APPENDICES 38

APPENDIX A: RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS 38

APPENDIX B: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE RESPONDENTS 41

APPENDIX C: INTRODUCTION LETTER 43

APPENDIX D: LETTER TO INSTITUTIONS 44

APPENDIX E: MAP OF NYAMAGABE DISTRICT 45