Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Moses Rugema, has urged stronger global commitment to tackling genocide ideology and preventing future atrocities.
He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the commemoration of Kwibuka 32, an annual remembrance event marking the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
The genocide, which occurred between April 7 and July 4, 1994, resulted in the deaths of over one million people within a span of 100 days.
The event, themed “Remember. Unite. Renew.”, brought together members of the diplomatic community and other stakeholders.
Rugema described the commemoration as both a time for reflection and a reminder of the world’s responsibility to act against injustice.
He emphasised that remembrance must translate into concrete action, including confronting denial, misinformation, and divisive narratives, particularly in the digital space.
According to him, the genocide was a carefully orchestrated campaign led by extremist elements, targeting Tutsi civilians as well as others who opposed the violence.
He warned that the ideology behind such atrocities still exists and is increasingly being spread through modern technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The envoy called for stronger legal measures, improved education, and greater accountability to counter these threats.
He also reflected on the delayed response of the international community during the crisis, noting that early warnings were not adequately acted upon.
Rugema, however, acknowledged a few diplomats who spoke out at the United Nations Security Council at the time, including Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative, Ibrahim Gambari.
He added that the genocide eventually ended through the efforts of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, led by Paul Kagame.
The envoy highlighted Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery, noting that the country embraced unity and reconciliation by rebuilding institutions and promoting national cohesion.
He said community-based Gacaca courts played a crucial role in delivering justice and fostering healing among affected communities.
Despite progress made, Rugema cautioned that instability and extremist ideologies remain a threat in parts of the Great Lakes region.
He stressed that ignoring warning signs of such dangers amounts to complicity and called for sustained global vigilance.
Also speaking, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, represented by UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, emphasised the importance of remembrance and prevention.
She noted that the genocide was driven by propaganda and hate speech, warning that similar patterns are emerging in today’s digital environment.
Eyong urged governments to strengthen legal frameworks, uphold international law, and fully implement the Genocide Convention to prevent future atrocities.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility to uphold human dignity and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.