Honouring the Past, Protecting the Future:
African Union Commemorates 32 Years Since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi
As 7 April 2026 marks the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka32), the African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Ethiopia, solemnly observes the commemoration at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew”.
Each year, this commemoration reminds African peoples and the international community of the sanctity of life and the value of humanity, while reinforcing our collective resolve to prevent genocide, uphold human rights, and safeguard future generations. It also provides a solemn moment to remember the more than one million lives that were lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on the magnitude of human suffering, honour the memory of all those lost, and reaffirm the shared responsibility of African peoples and the international community to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
The event commenced with “The Walk to Remember" and the laying of wreaths in honour of the victims of the genocide at the AUHuman Rights Memorial. The walk to remember was followed by a commemorative ceremony held at Nelson Mandela Hall at the AU Headquarters. The programme featured prayers delivered by representatives of the Muslim, Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic communities, followed by the Lighting of the Flame of Remembrance, accompanied by a commemoration song. Participants then viewed the documentary “Rwanda: From Despair to Hope” and observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The commemoration also included the official launch of the African Union Human Rights Virtual Memorial with the United Nations Office to the African Union (UN/OAU) as a core partner, introducing dedicated component on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, further reinforcing the AU’s commitment to preserving its memory and promoting human rights across the continent.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, in his remarks, said that, " remember over one million lives lost to hatred, indifference, and inaction. He stressed that Kwibuka is not only a moment of mourning but also a call to truth, responsibility, and vigilance. He further added that in African affairs, NEVER AGAIN will organised hatred be allowed to become a political project. Continuing, he said we must confront rising threats, hate speech, division and polarisation with unity, courage and action. Rwanda’s remarkable journey of resilience and renewal reminds us that history is not fate; it is shaped by the will of people, he added. He concluded by saying, 'Remembrance obliges us to act, to prevent and to defend human dignity everywhere. Africa stands firm for peace, justice and the protection of all."
In his statement, H.E. Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, noted that Rwanda’s history now stands as a definitive testament to the human spirit and a reminder that through the difficult work of accountability, a nation can be reborn, healed, and made whole again.
H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, in his welcome remarks on behalf of the AUC Chairperson, stated that “We stand in solidarity with the victims, the survivors and all Rwandese across the globe to reaffirm our collective commitment in saying, Never Again! He commended Rwanda’s remarkable resilience in rebuilding a just, reconciled, and inclusive society that stands as a beacon of hope for the entire continent and beyond.
In his remarks, the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, underscored that the prevention of genocide goes beyond institutions and policies and requires sustained efforts to preserve memory through intergenerational dialogue. He emphasised that young people are not only inheritors of this history but also its custodians, with a responsibility to carry forward the legacy of remembrance. He further stressed the importance of education and awareness in equipping future generations to recognise the warning signs of atrocity and help ensure that such crimes are never repeated.
In his remarks, H.E. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Karamba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, stated: “The African Union and the international community must firmly condemn any form of tolerance, support, or collaboration with entities such as the FDLR that propagate hate speech and genocide ideology. Awareness and education must remain at the core of genocide prevention efforts. Commemorations such as this serve as vital platforms for future generations to learn about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, thereby helping to prevent similar tragedies in the future, he added. He further underscored that as a nation, under the leadership of H.E. President Paul Kagame, the Republic of Rwanda remains committed to strengthening unity among its people, advancing sustainable development, and securing its borders and ensuring that Rwandans never again ensures the horrors of 1994.”
The commemoration brought together officials from the African Union Commission, representatives of AU Member States, members of the Diplomatic Corps, AU Organs, Regional Economic Communities, human rights institutions, UN agencies, international organizations, civil society organizations, including religious groups, think tanks and representatives from schools and academic institutions in Ethiopia.
For further information and media inquiries, please contact:
1. Mr. Wurie Bah, Senior Communication Officer, Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission. Email: Bahw@africanunion.org
2. Mr. INGABIRE Jean Claude, Communication Officer
Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Email: jcingabire@minaffet.gov.rw
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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