ADDIS ABABA, April 2 (AGCNewsNet) – The African Union will lead the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, aiming to raise awareness of human rights and reaffirm the commitment to protect human life. The event, themed "Remember-Unite-Renew," will take place at the Nelson Mandela Hall, NCC Building, African Union Headquarters, at 09:30 EAT on April 7, 2025.

l Organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the African Union and UNECA, the commemorative activities will include:

l The Walk to Remember

l Prayers from various religious communities (Orthodox, Muslim, Catholic, and Ethiopian Evangelical Church)

l Lighting of the Flame of Remembrance, accompanied by a Commemoration Song

l A Documentary Movie on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

l One Minute of Silence in Memory of the Victims

l Launch of the AU Human Rights Virtual Memorial

Key statements will be delivered by:

l H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission

l H.E. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, AU Commission

l H.E. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Karamba, Ambassador of Rwanda to Ethiopia

l The African Union Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and other Mass Atrocities

l H.E. Mr. Parfait Onanga-Ayanga, SRSG to AU and Head of UNOAU

l A Representative of the Government of Ethiopia

The event will honor the memory of over one million Rwandan lives lost during the genocide and stand in solidarity with survivors. Since 2010, the AU has hosted annual commemoration events following the decision by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

This year’s commemoration offers an opportunity to reflect on Rwanda’s journey of healing, reconciliation, and nation-building, bringing together officials from the African Union, Member States, the Diplomatic Corps, regional and international organizations, and the Rwandan community in Addis Ababa.

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