The African Union’s Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide and Other Mass Atrocities, Adama Dieng, has praised Rwanda for its remarkable transformation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, lauding the country’s journey from devastation to peace and prosperity.
Addressing an international gathering at the Kigali Serena Hotel during the International Conference on Genocide Prevention, Dieng highlighted Rwanda as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that healing and reconciliation are possible even after immense tragedy. His remarks emphasized the importance of combating hate speech, addressing the root causes of conflict, and fostering tolerance to prevent future atrocities.
The conference, commemorating the 76th anniversary of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, saw over 150 participants, including international leaders, scholars, and genocide experts. It provided a vital platform to reflect on Rwanda’s recovery and global efforts to prevent similar tragedies worldwide.
Rwanda’s Model of Healing and Reconciliation
Dieng commended Rwanda’s recovery efforts, crediting the country’s leadership and community-driven initiatives for its success. “Rwanda has shown the world that reconciliation, healing, and forgiveness are achievable, even after the darkest of tragedies,” he stated. The envoy emphasized Rwanda’s model of peacebuilding, which has led to significant progress in rebuilding the nation politically, socially, and economically.
Rwanda’s commitment to the principle of “never again” was a central theme in Dieng’s address, underscoring the nation’s dedication to remembering the victims of the genocide while working relentlessly to prevent future atrocities.
Addressing the Global Threat of Hate Speech
Dieng also sounded the alarm over the rising tide of hate speech around the world, which he described as a precursor to violence and genocide. Drawing parallels between the role of Radio Mille Collines during the 1994 genocide and the ongoing hate speech directed at the Congolese Tutsi community in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dieng stressed that hate speech undermines values of tolerance, inclusion, and unity.
“The rise of hate speech poses a serious threat to social cohesion,” he said. “It attacks the principles of respect, diversity, and dignity, which are essential for maintaining peaceful societies.”
Dieng called for stronger international efforts to counter xenophobia, racism, and negative ethnic sentiment, warning that addressing hate speech is critical in safeguarding human rights and preventing violence.
Raising Awareness and Strengthening Global Response
Jean-Damascène Bizimana, Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, reflected on the failures of the international community to prevent the 1994 genocide, despite the existence of the Genocide Prevention Convention. He commended ongoing efforts to raise global awareness about genocide, including the 2023 recognition of four Rwandan genocide memorials as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Bizimana also pointed to the symbolic inauguration of a genocide memorial plaque in Latvia by Presidents Paul Kagame and Edgars Rinkēvičs as an important milestone in preserving the memory of the genocide and promoting global consciousness.
Urgency for Stronger International Action
In his address, Dieng criticized the international community for its inadequate response to mass atrocities, citing the inaction of the UN Security Council in crises such as Sudan. He called for more decisive intervention and greater commitment from international and regional institutions to prevent genocides and other mass atrocities.
He stressed the African Union’s “non-indifference” principle, which calls for timely intervention in the face of violence. “Sovereignty carries the responsibility to protect citizens from violence,” Dieng asserted, urging countries to strengthen state institutions and uphold the rule of law to safeguard human dignity.
The conference underscored the importance of international solidarity and timely responses to prevent future genocides and mass atrocities, with Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery serving as an example of resilience and determination in the face of unspeakable tragedy.