DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania has called for greater investment in civic education and national unity, citing lessons from the 1994 Rwanda genocide as countries face rising global trends of hatred and extremism.
Speaking at a commemoration event in Dar es Salaam, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ngwaru Maghembe said the genocide, which targeted the Tutsi population, remained a stark reminder of the consequences of division and intolerance.
The event, held at the Mlimani City Conference Centre, marked the 32nd anniversary of the genocide that killed more than one million people.
Maghembe, representing Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, urged societies to prioritise unity, accountability and forward-looking leadership.
“Hatred cannot be cured by hatred. It must be uprooted through civic education,” he said.
He noted that Rwanda’s recovery over the past three decades demonstrated how unity and strong leadership could drive transformation, describing the country as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
Rwanda urges regional action on hate speech, warns of rising instability
Tanzania remains committed to strengthening ties with Rwanda through trade, transport and infrastructure projects, he added.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Patrick Nyamvumba, said remembrance was essential to preventing future atrocities, outlining stages that typically lead to genocide and calling for investment in youth to sustain peace.
He also acknowledged Tanzania’s role in supporting justice efforts, including hosting the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Shigeru Komatsubaru warned of rising hate speech and extremism globally, urging countries to translate remembrance into action.
He called for inclusive societies that protect diversity and promote peace, saying unity remained central to sustainable development.
