Learning from Rwanda: An International Symposium on Transitional Justice at Simon Fraser University

On May 19, 2026, Building Bridges with Rwanda (BBR), in partnership with the Simon Fraser University Institute for Black and African Diaspora Research and Engagement (IBADRE) and the Remember Rwanda 25 Year Legacy Project (RR25), welcomed scholars, students, community leaders, researchers, and members of the public for an evening of dialogue to explore a question that resonates far beyond Rwanda:

What can the world learn from Rwanda's journey of reconciliation and nation-building?

Held at SFU's Segal Graduate School of Business, the symposium — Afrocentric and Pan-African Decolonial Approaches to Transitional Justice: Lessons from the Experiences of Rwanda and Implications for the Wider World — created a space for thoughtful conversation about justice, healing, memory, and the role of African knowledge systems in addressing complex societal challenges.

From Reflection to Dialogue

Before the presentations began, guests gathered around a shared meal prepared by African and Caribbean restaurants. More than dinner, the shared meal reflected an African tradition that meaningful dialogue begins with hospitality.

Following welcoming remarks by Dr. June Francis, participants were introduced to the theme of the symposium through a screening of Reflection Tour to Rwanda, a documentary produced by Dr. June Francis and Lama Mugabo.

African Perspectives on Transitional Justice

Dr. James Busumtwi-Sam explored the African Union's approach to transitional justice and the growing importance of African-led frameworks for addressing historical trauma and conflict. The dialogue continued through moderated panels featuring Dr. Shadrack Mutabazi, Naura Rukundo, Sherif Jetiah, Lama Mugabo, Dr. Joel Akinwumi, Dr. Cornel Bogle, Tricia Williams, and Dr. June Francis.

Rather than asking the world to teach Africa, the symposium invited participants to consider what Africa, and Rwanda in particular, can teach the world about reconciliation, resilience, and rebuilding.

Looking Ahead

The conversations that began during the evening continue to shape Building Bridges with Rwanda's expanding work, including Reflection Tours to Rwanda, the Rwanda Executive Leadership Learning Exchange, youth leadership and community-building initiatives, research partnerships with universities, and public education through the Baraza Collective.