7 April 2024

Addis Ababa

Your Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,

Your Excellency Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission,

Your Excellency Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the people and government of Ethiopia, I extend our deepest sympathy to the survivors of the Rwandan genocide. This act of unspeakable brutality stands as a dark stain on the tapestry of our continent and the world.

As we mark the somber 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi, let us not allow the passage of time to dim the memory of the atrocities inflicted. We must turn our gaze unflinchingly towards the abyss, reflecting on the profound loss and the enduring pain. Today, we stand united in resolute opposition to the scourge of genocide, its poisonous ideology, and the disturbing trend of denial that seeks to bury the truth.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As the timeless saying goes, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." This maxim underscores the noble purpose of our gathering today, where we collectively reflect on our history to garner valuable lessons that are crucial for fostering peace, security, and unity among both present and future generations of our continent.

This annual memorial program stands as a testament to a profound truth: through the act of acknowledging the darkness of the past, we illuminate the path to a brighter future. It is a solemn promise, etched in the hearts of all gathered here, that such horrific crimes will never again stain the tapestry of human existence. As we pay tribute to the memory of those who perished, let their sacrifice serve as a beacon, guiding us towards a world where tolerance and understanding prevail.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the victims of genocide and offer compassion to those affected, we also acknowledge the commendable actions of some members of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, who courageously went above their official duties to save lives and safeguard innocent Rwandans. Ethiopia particularly takes pride in its modest role in the peacekeeping efforts in Rwanda and other similar missions. From these insights, we must craft a stronger, more responsive framework for upholding peace and security across our continent. Only then we can ensure that the promise of "never again" becomes more than a touching inscription, but a tangible reality.

Moreover, beyond establishing robust peace support operations, it is essential to tackle the underlying causes of violence such as the fragility of societal cohesion, the culture of intolerance, and irrationality, all of which are recipe for genocide. Certainly, peace building is a long-term process that requires collaboration among stakeholders at every level to effectively eliminate the security threats that trigger genocidal actions.

In light of this, it is important to recognize and commend the great stride and resilience showed by the People and Government of Rwanda in addressing the root causes of violence that culminated in the 1994 genocide. Rwanda's path toward healing has been a testament to the delicate balance between justice, truth, peace, and security. Laws have been implemented to dismantle the very foundations of discrimination and divisive ideology, while the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission has served as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and understanding. These pivotal steps have paved the way for a future where the wounds of the past can begin to mend.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Finally, we offer our profound appreciation to the African Union (AU) for its leadership in commemorating the Rwandan genocide each year. This solemn act serves as a powerful testament to Africa's unwavering resolve to banish the specter of genocide from our continent forever. Ethiopia remains committed to continue its cooperation with the AU and other fellow member states. Together, let us tirelessly pursue a future where such heinous crimes become a distant memory, replaced by a symphony of unity, understanding, and enduring peace.Top of Form

I Thank You!