Nairobi symposium calls for peace ahead of Rwandan genocide commemoration

A symposium held in Nairobi ahead of the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda emphasized messages of peace, unity, and the rejection of ethnic divisions.

The gathering on Tuesday provided a platform for reflection on Rwanda’s healing journey and the importance of preserving historical truths to counter genocide denial and distortion.

Through testimonies and research, participants reinforced the commitment to justice and the relevance of Rwanda’s experience in addressing current and future challenges.

Among the keynote speakers was Professor of Public Law Patrick Lumumba, who urged African nations to take charge of their own destiny.

“All of us here must remember the clarion call to remember, unite, and renew. We must not be told that the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi is now history,” he said at the event held at KICC, Nairobi.

Lumumba praised Rwanda’s ability to rebuild after the genocide and highlighted the role of the Gacaca courts in delivering justice where international mechanisms had failed.

He also criticized international institutions for their handling of African crises, arguing that many were established without African input.

“It is illogical that some countries in the region are seeking help from the same nations that contributed to these problems. We must come together as Africans, discuss our issues, and take concrete steps to address them,” Lumumba stated.

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Martin Ngoga, along with other panelists, underscored the need for sustained peace efforts to prevent future genocides.

The discussion highlighted how the 1994 genocide was a result of years of hate, division, and inaction.

Ngoga stressed that seeking justice for genocide victims is not only Rwanda’s responsibility but a global moral duty.

“Genocide denial, hate speech, and the glorification of perpetrators continue to threaten peace. Countries harbouring genocide fugitives must fulfil their legal and ethical responsibilities by extraditing or prosecuting them,” Ngoga stated.

He warned that genocidal ideology has adapted to modern digital spaces and political discourse, posing an ongoing threat.

The ambassador reflected on the failure of the international community to prevent the genocide.

Despite having peacekeepers on the ground, the United Nations did not take decisive action, and powerful nations obstructed intervention.

International media also misrepresented the atrocities as tribal conflict, and by the time the world acknowledged the scale of the killings, it was too late.

“The genocide against the Tutsi did not begin with machetes; it began with words,” Ambassador Ngoga noted.

“Hate speech, amplified by state-controlled media, dehumanized the Tutsi, making mass murder not only acceptable but inevitable.”

Participants called for proactive measures to combat hate speech and discrimination, stressing that early intervention is key to preventing mass atrocities.

The suffering endured by genocide survivors was vividly captured by renowned author Dimitri Sissie, whose storytelling brought to life the horrors experienced by victims.

His narration served as a solemn reminder of the importance of remembrance and action.

The commemoration, known as Kwibuka, meaning “remember” in Kinyarwanda, begins on April 7 and lasts for 100 days.

It marks the period in 1994 when an estimated one million Tutsi were systematically murdered by the Hutu extremist-led government. Moderate Hutu who opposed the killings were also targeted.

During the commemoration period, various activities take place to honour the victims and reinforce the message of peace and tolerance.

Panelists emphasized that remembrance is not only about looking back but also about shaping the future.

“We must interrogate the failures that allowed such a horrific crime to unfold and confront the persistent dangers of genocide ideology,” Ambassador Ngoga stated. “Only by strengthening our capacity both as Africa and as a global community can we prevent future atrocities.”

Participants at the symposium were urged to ensure that “Never Again” is not just a phrase but a commitment.

The event concluded with a strong call to action for nations, organizations, and individuals to stand united against genocide, discrimination, and violence, emphasizing the shared responsibility in preventing such tragedies from happening again.