Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, has called for global cooperation in combating genocide ideology to prevent the recurrence of atrocities similar to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
His remarks came during the 31st Commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi, known as Kwibuka31, held on Monday in Abuja.
The event, organised in partnership with the Nigerian government and the United Nations in Nigeria, brought together individuals from various sectors and emphasized the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew.”
In his address, Bazivamo stressed that Kwibuka is not merely a time for remembrance, but a global call to confront historical truths, challenge genocide denial, and uphold the dignity of the victims.
“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.
He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of genocide survivors, many of whom have transformed their suffering into a force for positive change, particularly through initiatives like the Gacaca courts and Rwanda’s national reconciliation programme.
He explained, “Despite the enormity of this challenge, Rwanda’s Government of National Unity led by H.E. Paul Kagame made a deliberate choice to prioritize reconciliation.
“The concept of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” (I am Rwandan) became central to the rebuilding process. It emphasized a collective identity above ethnic lines, urging all Rwandans to see themselves as one people, united in their shared history and future. This spirit of unity formed the bedrock upon which Rwanda began its journey of healing and rebuilding.
“This journey has not been easy. We are grateful for the efforts of survivors, who have transformed their pain into an impetus for healing and positive change.”
Although significant progress has been made in Rwanda’s recovery, the High Commissioner noted that challenges persist, particularly with ongoing regional security issues.
He specifically pointed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where genocidal forces remain active. Additionally, Bazivamo expressed concern over the rise of hate speech and propaganda, warning that the rhetoric seen in the lead-up to the 1994 genocide was resurfacing in the region.
Bazivamo also highlighted the international community’s limited response to these concerns, urging nations to collaborate in the fight against genocide ideology.
“Today, we are witnessing alarming hate speeches, dehumanizing propaganda, and calls for extermination—similar to the language used before 1994 in Rwanda. Thousands have been displaced, and yet, the international response remains dangerously muted.
“We must not forget that Rwanda warned the world once before. The cost of ignoring hate is too great to bear again. This is not just Rwanda’s fight; it demands the urgent and concerted attention of the entire international community.
“This commemoration also compels us to speak with clarity about the role of the international community, whose failure to act in 1994 cost more than one million lives,” he lamented.
He called for a renewed commitment to the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2150, both of which mandate the prevention of genocide and prosecution of perpetrators.
The envoy condemned genocide denial and revisionism, which continue to undermine Rwanda’s efforts to heal and rebuild.
He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to combating genocide ideology both within its borders and globally, stressing the importance of working with international partners, such as Nigeria, to foster a peaceful and prosperous continent.
The High Commissioner called, “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.”
In his closing remarks, Bazivamo urged attendees to honour the memory of the victims, stand in solidarity with survivors, and pledge to prevent genocide ideology from ever taking root again.
Also, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world to “learn from the events of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and take action to halt the spread of hate speech, division, and discontent, which are escalating into violence in many nations.”
He emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring accountability to prevent potential genocidal acts.
His message was read out by the UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong.
Rwanda began a week of commemoration on Monday to mark the 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group.
President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, joined by the dean of the diplomatic corps in Kigali and representatives of genocide survivors, laid wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the final resting place of over 250,000 victims.
The Kagames then lit the “Flame of Remembrance” at the memorial, a symbol of hope and resilience, which will burn for 100 days—the duration of the genocide.
In his remarks, Kagame vowed that genocide would never again occur in Rwanda. He stated that this would not be because those who orchestrated the atrocity would not attempt it again, but because Rwandans have chosen unity to ensure it is never repeated.
“What didn’t kill us and finish us 31 years ago, has hardened us, prepared us for the bad things that will always come anytime. We will not die without a fight like last time,” he said.
In 2014, the United Nations and the African Union designated April 7 as a day of remembrance for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
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