Title: Psychosocial Interventions in Post-Genocide Rwanda (1995-2025): Implications for Scalable Self-Help Plus in Refugees
Authors: Ayebare David Santson, Asingwire Richard, Kukundakwe Rebecca
Volume: 10
Issue: 4
Pages: 159-164
Publication Date: 2026/04/28
Abstract:
Post-genocide history of Rwanda represents one of the most documented cases of collective trauma and psychosocial recovery in sub-Saharan Africa. Since 1995, diverse psychosocial interventions have been implemented to address trauma-related distress and social disruption. However, their scalability and transferability to contemporary refugee populations remain under-examined. This review synthesises interventions implemented in Rwanda (1995-2025) and examines implications for scalable self-help interventions among refugees in East Africa. A narrative review of peer-reviewed studies, programme evaluations, and trial protocols was conducted. Sources were identified through database searches and targeted retrieval of key Rwanda-focused publications. Interventions were grouped into five categories: community-based sociotherapy, group psychotherapy, trauma-focused brief interventions, reconciliation-oriented approaches, and specialized clinical services. Interventions consistently reduced psychological distress and PTSD symptoms while improving social functioning and cohesion. However, most relied on trained facilitators and stable settings, limiting scalability in refugee contexts. Self-Help Plus (SH+) offers a scalable alternative delivered by non-specialists and has demonstrated effectiveness in refugee populations. Integrating Rwanda-derived lessons with scalable approaches such as SH+ may improve mental health outcomes among refugees and advance scalable psychological interventions.