African Union Commemorates 31st Anniversary of Rwandan Genocide with “Remember-Unite-Renew” Theme

Kwibuka31 Observance Highlights Commitment to Human Rights and Unity

The African Union solemnly marked the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka31) on April 7, 2025, at its headquarters in Addis Ababa. Organized by the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) in collaboration with Rwanda’s Embassy in Ethiopia, the event carried the powerful theme “Remember-Unite-Renew.”

Commemorative Activities and Ceremonies

The day began with ‘The Walk to Remember’ followed by moving ceremonies in the Nelson Mandela Hall. Religious leaders from Muslim, Orthodox, and Catholic communities offered prayers, while participants lit the Flame of Remembrance accompanied by a commemoration song. After screening the documentary ‘Rwanda: From Despair to Hope,’ attendees observed a minute of silence honoring the genocide victims.

Powerful Messages from Dignitaries

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, emphasized: “Today, we honor the over one million lives lost, stand with survivors, and reaffirm our pledge—Never again!” Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Amb. Birtukan Ayano called the genocide “an agonizing reminder of hatred’s destructive capacity.”

Prevention and Future Commitments

AU Special Envoy Adama Dieng highlighted improved early warning systems for genocide prevention, while UN representative H.E. Parfait Onanga-Ayanga stressed responsible media use and education as critical prevention tools. New AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized conflict prevention as key to achieving Agenda 2063.

Rwandan Ambassador Maj. Gen. Charles Karamba powerfully articulated the commemoration’s three pillars: “To Remember honors the lost; to Unite recognizes our collective strength; to Renew commits to justice and equality for all.”

Call for Continental Unity

Closing the event, AU Deputy Chairperson Amb. Selma Melika Haddadi declared: “Africa’s peace is indivisible—a shared responsibility we must protect for current and future generations.” The commemoration united representatives from AU member states, diplomatic corps, religious institutions, human rights organizations, and academic institutions across Ethiopia.

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