On 7th April, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga participated in the commemoration ceremony marking the 31st anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda under the theme “Remember-Unite-Renew”. This annual event was organized by the African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Department (AUPAPS) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda.

The event commenced with ‘The Walk to Remember’ and continued with statements delivered by H.E. Amb. Birtukan Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AUC Chairperson, H.E. Amb. Selma Melika Haddadi, AUC Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AUPAPS Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Adama Dieng, AU Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and other Mass Atrocities, H.E. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Karamba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, and SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga.

The statements highlighted the importance of remembering and honouring the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, and standing in solidarity with survivors to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten. They also highlighted the African Union's readiness to provide early warning, build capacities, and respond decisively to prevent genocide and mass atrocities.

SRSG’s statement, which included the Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, particularly stressed the need for international cooperation, responsible use of media, including Artificial Intelligence, and education to foster environments that prevent violence and hatred; and urged all States to fulfil the Global Digital Compact, combat online falsehoods and hate, adhere to international law, and to encourage those states that have not yet done so swiftly to accede to the Genocide Convention.