Abuja: Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Moses Rugema, has urged the international community to enhance efforts against the ideology of genocide. Rugema made this appeal during the commemoration of Kwibuka 32, an annual observance held to remember the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group, on Tuesday in Abuja. The genocide resulted in the loss of more than one million lives over a span of 100 days, from April 7 to July 4, 1994.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘Remember. Unite. Renew.’, was described by Rugema as ‘a moment of reflection for Rwandans, and a call to conscience for the world.’ He emphasized that remembrance should transcend words, urging both nations and individuals to confront denial, distortion, and divisive narratives, especially in the digital age. Rugema stressed the importance of honoring the victims and recognizing the responsibility to not only grieve but also to take action.
The envoy recalled that the genocide was executed by the government at the time along with allied militias, specifically targeting the Tutsis. He highlighted the rapidity of the genocide, noting that in just one hundred days, over one million people were killed, equating to one in every seven Rwandans, marking it as the fastest genocide in recorded history. Rugema warned of the persistent danger posed by genocide ideology, which is increasingly amplified by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Rugema called for stronger legal frameworks, education, and accountability to counteract these threats. He also reflected on the international community’s initial failure to act decisively, which was partly due to the mischaracterization of the crisis that delayed intervention. However, he acknowledged the efforts of some diplomats at the United Nations Security Council, including Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative, Ibrahim Gambari, who accurately described the atrocities.
The genocide ultimately ended with the intervention of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), led by Paul Kagame. Following the genocide, Rwanda chose a path of unity and reconciliation, forming a government of national unity, abolishing ethnic identity cards, and rebuilding institutions. Rugema highlighted the role of Gacaca courts in delivering justice and fostering reconciliation, handling more than two million cases.
Despite progress, Rugema cautioned that threats continue to exist in parts of the Great Lakes region, where extremist ideologies still fuel violence and displacement. He urged the global community to uphold justice, human dignity, and accountability, emphasizing that preventing genocide is a collective responsibility.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, also spoke at the event, noting that Kwibuka 32 was a time to remember victims and recommit to preventing future atrocities. Represented by UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, Fall reiterated the importance of a shared responsibility to remember and to prevent future violence. He warned of the rapid spread of hate speech and incitement to violence in the digital era and called for the strengthening of legal frameworks and the full implementation of the Genocide Convention.
NAN reports that the event brought together diplomats, government officials, and members of the international community to honor victims, support survivors, and reaffirm the commitment to the principle of ‘Never Again.’