Rwanda and the international community on April 7 begin the 100-day commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed the lives of more than one million people.
The African Union (AU) has announced it will join Rwandans and the global community in observing the 32nd commemoration, reaffirming its commitment to remembrance and prevention of future atrocities.
In a message to Rwandans, the AU said the commemoration period is also an opportunity to draw lessons from Rwanda’s history and advance efforts in reconciliation, conflict resolution, and nation-building.
“It is a moment to learn from what happened in Rwanda and to continue the journey of reconciliation, conflict resolution, nation-building, and strengthening the capacity to find solutions to our challenges,” the statement reads.
In collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in Ethiopia, the AU will host a commemoration event at its headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The organization described the period as a time to reaffirm the value of human life and honor the memory of victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, while strengthening efforts to prevent genocide, genocide ideology, hate speech, and related crimes.
The event is expected to bring together a wide range of participants, including representatives of AU member states and commissions, religious leaders, civil society organizations, human rights groups, the United Nations, research and academic institutions, international organizations, and the media.
Planned activities include a Walk to Remember, the lighting of the Flame of Hope, and the unveiling of a digital AU memorial featuring a dedicated section on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Discussions on genocide remembrance and prevention will also be held.
The AU has organized similar commemorations since April 2010 and continues to stand in solidarity with Rwanda, as the country marks the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
