Three decades after the 1994 Rwandan genocide,genocide, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, has urged the international community to act decisively against hate speech and ideologies that fuel genocide.
Speaking during a solemn event in Abuja on Monday themed “Remember-Unite-Renew,” Bazivamo highlighted the danger of ignoring early warning signs of division, warning that inaction could pave the way for a repeat of history’s darkest moments.
He emphasised that combating hate speech required more than symbolic gestures. According to him, proactive vigilance and tangible measures must be taken globally to confront dangerous narratives that incite violence and division.
Reflecting on the horrors of the 1994 genocide, which claimed over a million lives, the envoy said the tragedy offers valuable lessons that the world must not ignore. He warned that the spread of hate speech through modern channels, including digital platforms, bears a frightening resemblance to the conditions that led to Rwanda’s genocide.
“Hate does not start with weapons. It begins with words—words that dehumanise, isolate, and encourage violence,” Bazivamo said. “The scars of genocide remain long after the violence ends.”
He stressed that the fight against genocide ideologies must be a collective one, transcending borders and politics. “This is not just Rwanda’s fight; it is a challenge that demands the attention and concerted effort of the entire international community,” he said.
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Bazivamo also expressed concern over the persistence of genocide denial and revisionism, which he said undermine Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and reconcile. He called on individuals and governments alike to defend truth and justice.
He urged all nations to renew their commitment to international treaties, including the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, and to uphold obligations that protect societies from hate-driven violence.
The High Commissioner called for open dialogue and educational initiatives that promote understanding and tolerance. He stressed the importance of ensuring that “Never Again” becomes more than a phrase, but a guiding principle for action.
Also present at the event was the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, represented by UN Women Country Representative, Mrs Beatrice Eyong. Fall described the 1994 genocide as a premeditated crime, not a spontaneous occurrence.
He said the majority of victims were Tutsis, but also included Hutus and others who stood against the killings. Fall warned that today’s growing social divides and the rise of digital misinformation mirror the ideological environment that preceded the genocide.
Fall urged nations to honor their responsibilities under international humanitarian law and sign the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. He added that addressing online hate and division must be prioritised as part of global peace and security efforts.
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