State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Birtukan Ayano stated that Rwanda has transcended a horrific chapter and has been able to become an exemplary nation today through forgiveness, reconciliation, and nation-building.
The 31st anniversary commemoration program for the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was held at the African Union Headquarters.
During her speech at the memorial ceremony, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Birtukan Ayano said that the commemoration is not only for remembering the innocent citizens who lost their lives in the genocide but also for recognizing the resilience of Rwandans.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamat Ali Youssouf, on his part, stated that such atrocities should never be repeated anywhere or anytime in Africa.
The chairperson mentioned that it is crucial for the union to create capacities that enable the prevention of conflict in advance and that they are working on this with focus.
Rwandan Ambassador to Ethiopia, Charles Karamba, stated that Ethiopia was one of the primary countries that played a leading role in expanding peace and stability in Rwanda after the genocide and expressed his gratitude for this.
The memorial program included a moment of silence and a candle-lighting ceremony, with the attendance of religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and students, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It is to be recalled that the Rwandan genocide commemoration day has been observed annually at the African Union with various programs on April 7th for the past fifteen years.
