Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, has called on the international community to take united and urgent action against the growing threats of hate speech and ideologies that promote genocide, warning that failure to act could lead to another tragic outbreak of mass violence.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja during the 31st remembrance of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Mr. Bazivamo cautioned that the warning signs of hate and extremism must not be ignored.
He emphasized the need for proactive efforts to counter narratives that encourage division and incite violence.
Recalling the horrific events of 1994, in which over a million Rwandans were killed, the diplomat urged the global community to learn from the past to avoid a repeat of such atrocities.
“Genocide leaves lasting wounds that do not heal easily,” he said.
“Hate speech doesn’t emerge suddenly; it grows from dangerous ideologies that dehumanise others and foster division, which can eventually lead to violence.”
He expressed concern over the increasing use of digital platforms to spread hate and extremism, likening it to the environment that fueled the Rwandan genocide.
Mr. Bazivamo stressed that immediate and collective international action is necessary to combat these trends.
The envoy also highlighted the importance of upholding international human rights commitments, including the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention.
He urged all nations to not only reject genocide-promoting ideologies but also take active steps to prevent hate-fueled violence.
Bazivamo raised alarm over ongoing denial and revisionist narratives about the genocide, stating that such distortions fuel hatred and undermine Rwanda’s efforts toward national healing and reconciliation.
He called on governments, civil society organisations, and individuals to engage in honest dialogue, support education on the dangers of hate speech, and defend the principles of truth and justice.
“As we remember the victims today, we must also remain alert to ideologies that divide us,” he said.
“Let ‘Never Again’ be more than a slogan—it should be a call to action for all of humanity.”
