Rwanda has marked the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi with a strong call for global solidarity in the fight against genocide ideology. The country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, delivered the message during the Kwibuka31 commemoration event held in Abuja on Monday.
Organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Government and the United Nations in Nigeria, the event brought together stakeholders from different sectors to honour the victims and reflect on the theme: “Remember – Unite – Renew.”
In his address, Bazivamo emphasised that Kwibuka is more than an annual remembrance—it is a moment to reaffirm a collective responsibility to confront the past, reject genocide denial, and ensure atrocities like those of 1994 never happen again.
“Guided by the theme ‘Remember – Unite – Renew,’ we are here to reflect on the past, strengthen our unity, and renew our commitment to a future free from genocide.
“Kwibuka, a Kinyarwanda word meaning to remember, is far more than a ritual of memory. It is a national and global call to confront historical truth, uphold dignity, and fight genocide denial and revisionism.
“It is a time when Rwanda stands not in isolation, but with the world, with our brothers and sisters across Africa, and with friends here in Nigeria to reaffirm that Never Again must be more than a slogan. It must be a guiding principle,” the envoy noted.
Bazivamo paid tribute to survivors of the genocide, acknowledging their strength and the constructive roles many have played in rebuilding Rwanda, particularly through local initiatives such as the Gacaca courts and the national reconciliation programme.
He highlighted the deliberate steps taken by the Government of National Unity under President Paul Kagame to prioritise reconciliation and unity in the face of unimaginable trauma.
“Despite the enormity of this challenge, Rwanda’s Government of National Unity led by H.E. Paul Kagame made a deliberate choice to prioritise reconciliation,” he said.
The High Commissioner reiterated the importance of reinforcing international instruments such as the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2150, which require all member states to act against genocide and bring perpetrators to justice.
“Today, as we observe growing instability in the region, Rwanda calls for a renewed commitment to the principles enshrined in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2150.
“These instruments impose a moral and legal obligation on all states to combat genocide ideology, judge or extradite genocide fugitives, and ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a slogan, but a commitment.
“We also note with concern the continued support for genocide denial and revisionism in certain quarters and countries.”
Bazivamo called for continued partnership with countries like Nigeria in building a more peaceful and united Africa. He closed his remarks by urging attendees to honour the victims, support survivors, and ensure the ideology of genocide is eradicated.
In a message marking the occasion, UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed those sentiments, urging the world to learn from Rwanda’s tragedy and address the growing spread of hate speech and division.
He warned that these forces are already fueling violence in several countries, stressing the need to uphold human rights and ensure accountability to prevent future atrocities.
