Genocide: Guterres Asks for United Global Action to Stem Growing Tide of Hate Speech

… Rwandan Envoy Insists Only Global Cooperation Can Prevent Recurrence of Another “1994 Genocide in Rwanda”

By: Michael Mike

The Secretary General of United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres has called for global action to stem the tide of hate speech, stop disunity and discontent mutating into violence, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability in order to stop the repeat of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Guterres, in his speech on the commemoration of 31 years since the genocide in Rwanda, read by the United Nations (UN) Women Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong
said: “Today we mourn the one million children, women and men slaughtered in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

“This appalling chapter in human history was not a spontaneous frenzy of horrendous violence. It was intentional, premeditated and planned — including through hate speech that inflamed division, and spread lies and dehumanization. The overwhelming majority of victims were Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide.

“As we recall how these crimes came about, we must also reflect on resonance with our own times. These are days of division. The narrative of “us” versus “them” is ascendant, polarizing societies. Digital technologies are being weaponized to further inflame hate, stoke division, and spread lies.

“We must learn from the terrible history of the genocide in Rwanda, and act to stem the tide of hate speech, stop disunity and discontent mutating into violence, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability.
I urge all States to deliver on commitments made in the Global Digital Compact to tackle online falsehoods and hate, to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and to become parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide without delay.

“On this day of remembrance, let’s commit to be vigilant and to work together to build a world of justice and dignity for all – in honour of all the victims, and survivors of the genocide in Rwanda.”

At the marking of the 31 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in Abuja Nigeria on Monday, the Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo called for global cooperation in combating genocide ideology to prevent the recurrence of atrocities similar to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

At the event organised in partnership with the Nigerian government and the United Nations in Nigeria, which brought together individuals from various sectors and emphasized the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,” Bazivamo stressed that Kwibuka is not merely a time for remembrance, but a global call to confront historical truths, challenge genocide denial, and uphold the dignity of the victims.

He said we are here to reflect on the past, strengthen our unity, and renew our commitment to a future free from genocide, guided by the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,”.

The envoy said: “Kwibuka, a Kinyarwanda word meaning to remember, is far more than a ritual of memory. It is a national and global call to confront historical truth, uphold dignity, and fight genocide denial and revisionism.

“It is a time when Rwanda stands not in isolation, but with the world — with our brothers and sisters across Africa, and with friends here in Nigeria — to reaffirm that Never Again must be more than a slogan. It must be a guiding principle.”

He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of genocide survivors, many of whom have transformed their suffering into a force for positive change, particularly through initiatives like the Gacaca courts and Rwanda’s national reconciliation programme.

He explained that: “Despite the enormity of this challenge, Rwanda’s Government of National Unity led by H.E. Paul Kagame made a deliberate choice to prioritize reconciliation.

“The concept of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” (I am Rwandan) became central to the rebuilding process. It emphasized a collective identity above ethnic lines, urging all Rwandans to see themselves as one people, united in their shared history and future. This spirit of unity formed the bedrock upon which Rwanda began its journey of healing and rebuilding.

“This journey has not been easy. We are grateful for the efforts of survivors, who have transformed their pain into an impetus for healing and positive change.”
Although significant progress has been made in Rwanda’s recovery, the High Commissioner noted that challenges persist, particularly with ongoing regional security issues.

He lamented that genocidal forces remain active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while expressing concern over the rise of hate speech and propaganda, warning that the rhetoric seen in the lead-up to the 1994 genocide was resurfacing in the region.

Bazivamo also highlighted the international community’s limited response to these concerns, urging nations to collaborate in the fight against genocide ideology.

He said: “Today, we are witnessing alarming hate speeches, dehumanizing propaganda, and calls for extermination—similar to the language used before 1994 in Rwanda. Thousands have been displaced, and yet, the international response remains dangerously muted.

“We must not forget that Rwanda warned the world once before. The cost of ignoring hate is too great to bear again. This is not just Rwanda’s fight; it demands the urgent and concerted attention of the entire international community.

“This commemoration also compels us to speak with clarity about the role of the international community, whose failure to act in 1994 cost more than one million lives,” he lamented.

He called for a renewed commitment to the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2150, both of which mandate the prevention of genocide and prosecution of perpetrators.

The envoy condemned genocide denial and revisionism, which continue to undermine Rwanda’s efforts to heal and rebuild.

He however reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to combating genocide ideology both within its borders and globally, stressing the importance of working with international partners, such as Nigeria, to foster a peaceful and prosperous continent.

The High Commissioner added that: “Today, as we observe growing instability in the region, Rwanda calls for a renewed commitment to the principles enshrined in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2150.

“These instruments impose a moral
and legal obligation on all states to combat genocide ideology, judge or extradite genocide fugitives, and ensure that “Never Again” is not just a slogan, but a commitment.

“We also note with concern the continued support for genocide denial and revisionism in certain quarters and countries.”

He urged attendees to honor the memory of the victims, stand in solidarity with survivors, and pledge to prevent genocide ideology from ever taking root again.

Genocide: Guterres Asks for United Global Action to Stem Growing Tide of Hate Speech

Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Bilateral Ties As VP Shettima Receives Crown Princess Victoria

** Says her visit will open doors to deeper institutional relations, foster greater cultural exchange between both nations

By: Our Reporter

Nigeria and Sweden on Monday in Abuja declared their firm resolve to deepen bilateral relations through trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.

To this effect, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria will continue to be a dependable ally of Sweden in all seasons, noting that both countries are poised for a partnership “anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by our shared determination to uplift communities and secure prosperity for generations to come.”

This was the outcome of a meeting between the Vice President of Nigeria and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria, is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria as part of the bid to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Sweden and Nigeria.

Describing the Crown Princess’s visit to Nigeria as opening doors to deeper institutional relations and greater cultural exchange between both nations, VP Shettima noted that the visit is not only a continuation of dialogue but also a new chapter for both nations.

“This moment opens the door to deeper institutional ties, stimulates business-to-business collaboration, and fosters greater cultural exchange.

“We are particularly excited about opportunities in renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion—areas where Sweden has much to offer, and Nigeria is eager to learn,” the VP stated.

The Vice President recalled his high-level engagement in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in October last year when he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pointing out that the visit marked a turning point in the bilateral relationship between both countries.

He continued: “From the warm hospitality extended by the Swedish government to the visionary discussions we had with Your Royal Highness, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and the captains of Swedish industry, we returned to Nigeria energised by a new momentum—one that has since translated into tangible outcomes for both our peoples.

“Our meetings in Sweden last year were not ceremonial; they were catalytic. They opened doors to strategic collaborations and renewed our commitment to making Nigeria a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable development.

“One of the most consequential outcomes of that visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Ericsson to support 5G innovation across our country.

“Beyond the digital frontier, Swedish enterprises continue to invest in Nigeria’s human capital and sustainable development. We applaud SchoolTry, the Swedish edtech company, for its continued work in transforming educational outcomes in Nigeria.”

VP Shettima told the Crown Princess that the aforementioned partnerships are “building blocks in a broader architecture of cooperation—one that positions Sweden as a key partner in Nigeria’s journey towards digital inclusion, educational reform, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy transition.”

Earlier, Crown Princess Victoria outlined Sweden’s vast interest in Nigeria, describing both nations as partners in so many sectors.

“We have been talking about Nigeria and Sweden now for a few days and it’s wonderful to see the opportunities that are here. And I think it’s specifically important during the times that we live right now,” the Crown Princess stated.

She said that it would be wonderful for Sweden to have a physical trade office in Nigeria, stating that it is something that should have been done long ago.

In his remarks, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, lauded the partnership between both countries, saying “We have seen opportunities in Nigeria when it comes to innovation, tech sector and many skills where we can learn from each other and this will shape a better future for tomorrow for our people.”

He said all is set to declare open Sweden’s trade office tomorrow, even as he noted that both nations are standing on a firm foundation of long-standing bilateral relations spanning 65 years of robust relationship.

“We also see that there is a long-standing relationship in the business sector, a strong partner with Nigeria in the MoU that was signed during your visit to Stockholm. We have opened five innovation hubs in Africa and the largest in Nigeria, in Lagos. So, I see a lot of opportunities when it comes to other sectors; in health, agriculture and others,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tugga, highlighted earlier discussions he had with the Crown Princess of Sweden, including matters involving trade and investment, agriculture, green energy, solar, green hydrogen, ICT and Business Outsourcing involving issues of employment for skilled workers.

He explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Technical Aid Corp, will partner with countries that are interested in workers from Nigeria in a structured manner to reduce regional migration.

VP Shettima pledges Nigeria’s commitment to stronger ties with tech giant, Ericsson

In another development, Vice President Shettima on Monday pledged Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Swedish tech giant, Ericsson, by promptly operationalising the Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) signed between the country and the company in 2024.

The Vice President stated this when he received a delegation from the tech giant led by its Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mr Patrick Johansson, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Senator Shettima said Ericsson is a part of the Nigerian experiment, recalling that the firm laid the foundation for other tech giants at the time.

Noting that the company has kept faith with the nation as a partner in progress and a collaborator in her shared story of transformation, the VP commended the tech giant for its current investments in the establishment of innovation hubs and support for small businesses in the country, which he said is a consolidation of the partnership with the company.

The Vice President urged Ericsson and other investors to leverage the potential of the Nigerian nation, particularly harnessing the enthusiasm of its youthful population.

“We cherish our relationship with Sweden and your company and I must urge you to harness our manifest destiny. We are a large nation with a tech-savvy population. We are making efforts across different fields. A good number of the Unicorns that we have in Africa are Nigerian-based. The future is Nigeria,” the VP noted.

On his part, the Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area, Europe, Middle East and Africa of the company, Mr Patrick Johansson, emphasized the need to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Ericsson through the promotion of grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship, among other projects of Ericsson.

In the same vein, the company’s Vice President and Head of Customer Units, West and South Africa at Ericsson Middle East & Africa, Majda Lahlou Kassi, said Nigeria occupied an important place in the company’s history.

He said Ericsson believes in Nigeria’s potential and is proud of the existing relationship, especially the possibilities for growth in the local market and entrenchment of a digital culture among the citizenry.

Also present at the meeting with the VP were Ericsson’s Director of Public Affairs, Government and Industry Relations and the company’s Senior Solutions Architect, Mr Efosa Aigbe.

Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Bilateral Ties As VP Shettima Receives Crown Princess Victoria

China’s Chief of Consular Section Visits Abia Police Command Over Kidnapping of Nationals

By Zagazola Makama

In a continued effort to address the abduction of its nationals, the Republic of China’s Chief of Consular Section, Mr. Bai Jianusen, visited the Abia State Police Command on April 6, 2025.

The visit was a significant gesture following the kidnapping of several Chinese nationals in the region, which has prompted heightened concerns over their safety.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the delegation, led by Mr. Bai, was received on behalf of the Commissioner of Police (Compol) by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Decompol) in charge of Operations (Dops) in Abia State.

The delegation’s main objective was to express the Chinese government’s deep concern regarding the kidnapping of its citizens and to offer condolences for the tragic loss of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty during the operation.

During the visit, Mr. Bai commended the Abia Police Command for their swift response and ongoing investigation into the abduction. He assured the police that the Chinese government is prepared to assist the investigation by providing any relevant information that could aid in the swift resolution of the case and the safe return of the kidnapped nationals.

In turn, Decompol Dops reassured Mr. Bai and his team that the Abia State Police Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of all foreign nationals, particularly those from China, within the state. He emphasized that security efforts are being intensified, with enhanced patrols and surveillance in areas where the Chinese nationals reside or frequent.

Mr. Bai and his team also met with the Special Investigating Team, known as the “Jaguar Squad,” which was specially formed to investigate the abduction and related crimes. The team has been working diligently to track down the kidnappers and bring them to justice.

Authorities in Abia State continue their investigation into the kidnapping, and efforts to locate the victims and arrest the perpetrators are ongoing. The Chinese Consular delegation expressed gratitude for the collaborative approach to resolving the case and reaffirmed their commitment to further supporting the police in their pursuit of justice.

China’s Chief of Consular Section Visits Abia Police Command Over Kidnapping of Nationals