Africa

AU pledges to protect youth from hate speech, genocide ideology

AU Deputy Chairperson Monique Nsanzabaganwa. (X)

By Amina Wako | Sunday, April 7, 2024

The AU Commission reiterated its commitment to preventing genocide and hate speech and ensuring that the lessons learned from the Rwanda genocide are not forgotten.

In the current digital age, the African Union (AU) Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the use of youth as agents of hate speech and genocide ideology.

At the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, made the remarks during an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

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Nsanzabaganwa emphasised the vulnerability of young people to being misled and used as easy targets in promoting genocide ideologies due to their access to vast amounts of information on the internet.

She commended the participation of young students from various universities and colleges across Ethiopia in the commemoration of the event and expressed the AU's determination to engage with them to prevent the propagation of hate speech and genocide ideologies.

The AU Commission has appointed Adama Dieng, former advisor to the UN Secretary-General, as the Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities in Africa. Dieng will serve as the AU ambassador, promoting peace and tolerance across the continent.

Rwanda's Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Karamba, emphasised the importance of acknowledging the atrocities and suffering of the victims, preventing impunity, facilitating justice, and supporting healing at all levels. He highlighted the critical role of youth in rebuilding and reconciliation.

Officials from the AU, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and civil society organizations attended the event, themed "Remember-Unite-Renew," which included a walk to remember.

The AU Commission reiterated its commitment to preventing genocide and hate speech and ensuring that the lessons learned from the Rwanda genocide are not forgotten.

"We are determined to continually engage young people across Africa to ensure they are brought to speed with the lessons learned from the genocide and to prevent them from being used as agents for the propagation of hate speech and genocide ideologies," Nsanzabaganwa said.

Today, The @_AfricanUnion joined Rwanda in the 30th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The #WalktoRemember, reflections and messages of solidarity & hope, touching testimonies, and prayers marked the occasion.

I take this opportunity to honor the exemplary… pic.twitter.com/Lx1ID0BTH7
— Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa (@mnsanzabaganwa) April 7, 2024