Rwandan envoy seeks global action against hate speech, genocide ideologies

Muhyideen Jimoh
Apr, Tue, 2025

Foreign

Rwandan envoy seeks global action against hate speech, genocide ideologies

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By Sarafina Christopher

Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, has called on the global community to collectively address the menace of hate speech and genocide ideologies, which could trigger devastating genocidal conflicts.

Bazivamo stated this on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of 31 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka 31).

The commemoration had has its theme:”Remember-Unite-Renew.”

He warned that ignoring the red flags of hate speech and genocide ideologies, or failure to address them, could lead to a tragic repetition of history.

The High Commissioner stressed that vigilance and proactive measures were crucial to combating narratives that incited division and violence.

Reflecting on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda which resulted in the loss of over a million lives, Bazivamo said the world must learn from the past to prevent similar atrocities in the future.

“The scars of genocide run deep and linger long after the dust has settled.

“We must recognise that hate speech does not manifest in isolation.

“It germinates from ideologies that seek to dehumanise and divide, ultimately paving the way for violence,” he said.

He noted that current rising global polarisation and the weaponisation of digital platforms spread hateful narratives reminiscent of the environment that led to the genocide.

The envoy, therefore, called for urgent collective global action to curb the menace of hate speech and genocide ideologies.

“This is not just Rwanda’s fight; it is a challenge that demands the attention and concerted effort of the entire international community,” he emphasised.

Bazivamo further called for a renewed commitment to the principles enshrined in international human rights treaties, including the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.

He urged nation-states to not actively combat genocide ideologies but also fulfill their obligations to prevent hate-driven violence.

The High Commissioner also expressed concern over the existence of denialism and revisionism surrounding the events of the genocide.

According to him, such narratives perpetuate hatred and undermine Rwanda’s ongoing efforts toward healing and reconciliation.

Bazivamo encouraged all stakeholders, governments, civil society, and individuals to engage in open dialogue, promote education on the dangers of hate speech, and uphold the values of truth and justice.

“As we gather today to remember the victims, let us also commit to being vigilant against divisive ideologies that threaten our humanity.

“We must ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not merely a slogan, but also a principle that guides our actions,” he said.

Also speaking, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, referred to the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres message which highlighted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as a premeditated act, not a spontaneous outburst of violence.

Represented by Mrs Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Fall noted that majority of victims were Tutsis, besides Hutus and others who opposed the genocide.

“As we reflect on the events that unfolded, we must draw parallels to current societal divisions,” he stated.

He cautioned against the rising narrative of “us versus them” that exacerbates societal polarisation.

Fall noted that the weaponisation of digital technologies promoted hate, which further sowed division, and spread falsehoods.

He urged states to fulfill the commitments they made in the global digital compact to address online violence and hate, and societal obligation under international humanitarian law.

The Resident Coordinator also called on countries to promptly sign the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

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