African Union marks 29th anniversary of genocide in Rwanda
Havana, April 7 (RHC) The African Union (AU) recalled this Friday the 29th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group, committed by their Hutu compatriots in Rwanda, and highlighted the need to promote awareness campaigns to prevent these events.
"Today we join Rwanda and the world in commemorating the 29th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis," the AU revealed on its Twitter account.
The Union Department, which promotes good governance, peace, security and stability on the continent and promotes African positions worldwide, held an open session on the prevention of hate ideology, genocide and crimes the day before.
The members highlighted the contribution of their countries in the fight against extermination and exchanged views on various means to collectively prevent hate ideology and crimes.
The Council highlighted the need for awareness campaigns through education by creating a culture of peace and promoting the universal values of justice and tolerance, among others.
Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union, stressed the importance of this session to draw lessons and show commitment to prevent the recurrence of similar mass atrocities and advocated the strengthening of early warning mechanisms for a timely response and action.
The Rwandan ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to that regional organization, Hope Tumukunde, commented that the observance of the AU Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is a continuing call to all member states, bodies and other international organizations to commit themselves to preventing and combating this and other crimes against humanity under international law.
For Alice Wairimu Nderitu, special adviser on genocide prevention, the international community has failed to prevent and respond to these events and "it continues to be a sin on our conscience."
Between 800,000 and 1 million Rwandans, mostly Tutsis and politically moderate Hutus, were killed by extremist factions over nearly three months in 1994, marking a bloody spring. (Source: Prensa Latina)
