08/04/2026
Approximately 250 participants, including Government of Nigeria officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, and friends of Rwanda, joined the Rwandan community for the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Ambassador Moses Rugema delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of transforming remembrance from a solemn ritual into a shared responsibility—one that directly confronts both the historical truth of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the evolving threats that continue to enable similar atrocities today.
He underscored the deliberate and premeditated nature of the genocide, emphasizing that it was neither spontaneous nor accidental. He also reflected on the international community’s indifference and mischaracterization of events, while recognizing the moral clarity demonstrated by voices at the UN Security Council, including Nigeria’s then Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.
The Ambassador highlighted Rwanda’s post-genocide trajectory, emphasizing the commitment to unity, reconciliation, and institutional strengthening as a foundation for preventing future atrocities.
He emphasised that genocide ideology, denial, and distortion persist and are being amplified by digital platforms and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. He highlighted ongoing threats in the Great Lakes region against Tutsi communities, including the Banyamulenge, and underscored that silence in the face of such threats constitutes complicity.
Ambassador Rugema concluded that “Never Again” must be upheld as a continuing commitment, advanced through collective responsibility, vigilance, and education.
Representing the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i., Ms Beatrice Eyong, delivered the statement of the UN Secretary-General. She paid tribute to the resilience of survivors and acknowledged the international community’s failure to respond decisively during the genocide. She called for strengthened global commitment to the Genocide Convention and enhanced collective efforts to prevent mass atrocities.
