The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, added his voice to numerous others that expressed sympathy with Rwandans as the 31st commemoration period for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi began on Monday, April 7. He was speaking at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa during a commemoration event co-organised by the Rwandan embassy in Ethiopia, as well as the Permanent Mission to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The solemn ceremony held in honour of more than one million victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi was attended by officials from the government of Ethiopia, members of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, and the Rwandan community in Ethiopia. They stood in solidarity with survivors, and reaffirmed the global commitment to prevent genocide and its ideology. In his speech, Youssouf described commemoration as a moment of great sadness as the world remembers the one million lives that were ended just because of their ethnicity. “This murderous madness represents the height of human barbarity,” Youssouf said. The commemoration period officially started in Rwanda on April 7, centred around the theme Remember, Unite, Renew. The period reflects on the tragic history that led to the Genocide, as well as shedding light on the journey of reconstruction, unity, and resilience of Rwandans. Youssouf recognised the resilience of Rwandans, pointing out that the country is now cited as an example of socio-economic development. He called upon the world to ensure that humanity never has to suffer from genocide, ethnic cleansing, or crimes against humanity again. “Certainly, similar events recur throughout history. They are almost always the result of failed governance, political manipulation, and religious conflicts,” he noted. He emphasised the “never again” resolve as he called for efforts to uphold rule of law, justice, and equity as well as peaceful coexistence between communities in Africa and across the world. “I remain convinced that the African Union has a central role to play in preventing and resolving this type of crisis,” he noted. “Never again, never again. Our common humanity should not suffer from any complacency or complacency in the face of reprehensible situations of genocide, ethnic cleansing, or crimes against humanity on our continent throughout the world,” he added. Maj Gen (Rtd) Charles Karamba, Ambassador of Rwanda to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU and UNECA, emphasised the significance of the period of remembrance. “Thirty-one years ago, Rwanda experienced one of the darkest chapters in human history. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was the result of decades of institutionalised hatred, discrimination, and dehumanization,” Karamba said. “While we remember the lives lost, we also honour the courage and dignity of survivors who chose to rebuild their lives and our nation,” he said. He recalled the failure of the international community, notably the withdrawal of UN troops and the creation of Operation Turquoise, which allowed the genocidal forces to escape justice and regroup in DR Congo. “Today, some of those genocidaires remain protected in eastern DR Congo under the FDLR, which continues to pose a threat to Rwanda. We cannot allow lies and denial to rewrite history.” Quoting President Kagame, the ambassador said, ‘history written in blood cannot be erased by lies.” Birtukan Ayano, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, paid tribute to the victims and commended the remarkable resilience of the Rwandan people. “In remembering the victims, we also recognise the resilience and strength of the Rwandan people,” she stated. “Over the past three decades, Rwanda has made tremendous progress in building a stronger and more united society. The nation has risen with a spirit of reconciliation and nation-building, offering an inspiring example to humanity of the power of forgiveness, unity, and the capacity to rebuild a once-shattered society,” she added. Since 2010, the AU and the Embassy of Rwanda in Ethiopia have jointly organised the commemoration annually. The Kwibuka event in Addis Ababe began with a Walk to Remember, symbolising solidarity with victims and survivors. The formal ceremony featured prayers, a minute of silence, and the lighting of candles in honour of the over one million innocent lives lost.
