Kwibuka31: Rwanda Ambassador Calls For Renewed Commitment To Genocide Free Future

As Rwanda marks the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi (Kwibuka31) with the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew, the Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador. Christophe Bazivamo has stressed the need to renew commitment for a future free from genocide.

Ambassador. Bazivamo stated this in Abuja, at a solemn event to mark the genocide known as Kwibuka (“to remember” in Kinyarwanda), noted that it serves as a global opportunity to honor the victims, comfort survivors, and pay tribute to Rwandans who stopped the genocide and liberated the country.

He said it was the period to reflect on the lessons of Rwanda’s tragic history, and to unite in efforts to combat genocide ideology, hate speech, and prevent future genocides.

According to him, ”The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was not a spontaneous act of violence but the culmination of decades of divisive ideology rooted in colonial-era policies and perpetuated through post-independence regimes.”

” These historical factors created deep societal divisions. and ultimately led to the systematic and brutal killing of over one million people in just 100 days, understanding this historical context is crucial to learning from the past and preventing similar tra

gedies from occurring again.”

”Despite the immense trauma and devastation, Rwanda has embarked on a remarkable journey of national unity, reconciliation, and resilience, guided by the principle of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” (I am Rwandan), the nation has prioritized building a shared identity that transcends ethnic divisions.

The Ambassador noted that Rwanda had remained deeply committed to preventing genocide and its ideology, both domestically and on the global stage,

”

Rwanda is committed to regional peace frameworks, including those of the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU), the nation believes in the importance of African-led solutions to African challenges and emphasizes the need for genuine international partnerships that respect regional ownership of peace processes.”

Ambassador. Christophe Bazivamo highlighted the significance of this year’s commemoration as the country confronts the rising tide of genocide denial, revisionism, and hate speech.

”Genocide ideology against Congolese Tutsis persists through dehumanizing language and propaganda, reviving discredited colonial-era racial theories, such as the Tutsi-Hamitic versus Bantu theory. Kwibuka 31 Kwibuka 31 emphasizes the need to actively preserve historical accuracy and a collective commitment to preventing future genocides, demanding truth and accountability from all stakeholders,” he said.

In a message to the event the United Nations Representative to ECOWAS and Nigeria, Mohammed Fall who stressed the need to reflect on the events that unfolded, said there was a need to draw parallels to current societal divisions.

Mohammed Fall who was represented by the United Nations Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs Beatrice Eyong, urged all states to deliver on commitments made in the Global Digital Compact to tackle online falsehoods and hate.

”We must challenge the forces of division, counter false narratives, and ensure that justice prevails, In this spirit, I encourage all of us nations, policymakers, scholars, journalists, civil society, and young people to continue advancing the values of truth, peace, and justice so that future generations live free from the shadows of hate.”

”Need for all states to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and to become parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide without delay.”

”On this day of remembrance, let’s commit to be vigilant and to work together to build a world of justice and dignity for all, in honour of all the victims and survivors of the genocide in Rwanda.” he added.