The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its firm stance against hate and division, insisting that acts of hatred must never be allowed to be twisted into political agendas.
Speaking on April 7 during the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that Africa remains committed to unity, justice, and proactive measures to prevent the spread of hate.
Ali noted that commemoration events like Kwibuka are not only a time to honor the more than one million lives lost during the genocide but also a call for vigilance, accountability, and truth. He warned that neglecting early warning signs or allowing hate speech to fester can have devastating consequences.
“Remembering the past is a duty,” Ali said. “It reminds us to act, safeguard human dignity, and defend peace and justice across the continent.”
He also highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable recovery and nation-building journey, saying it demonstrates that history does not dictate the future; human resolve and collective action shape it.
As Rwanda marks the 32nd Kwibuka, the country and the international community reflect on lessons from the genocide while strengthening efforts to build a united nation and prevent threats to national cohesion, particularly in the regional context.
