NDLAMINI-ZUMA

By DELPHINE ZULU-
AFRICA should ensure that all genocide activities that occurred several years ago in Rwanda do not happen in the continent, African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamina Zuma has said.
Speaking in Addis Ababa yesterday when she attended the 20th anniversary, Dr Zuma said the genocide in which millions of people were killed in a period of 100 days should not be allowed to occur again in any African country.
She said the AU had dedicated the month of April to plan urgent actions it would take to ensure that it prevented loss of lives in any conflict that may arise in any country on the continent.
In a Statement released by First Secretary for Press and Tourism and the Zambian Mission in Ethiopia Dorcas Chileshe, Dr Zuma said AU should focus its attention on strategies to develop the continent and not managing conflicts.
Scores of people gathered to attend the 20th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide where videos of survivors narrating how their family members were killed were also shown causing many viewers to sob.
Rwandese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Joseph Nsengimanaa stressed the need for the AU to strengthen its early warning system in order to swiftly address any emerging conflicts that could lead to genocide.
He appealed to African countries to learn from Rwanda’s history by promoting peace and address any differences that could lead to genocide.
Mr Nsengimanaa said the 20 years genocide commemoration was an opportunity for Africa to rise and declare that what happened in Rwanda should be avoided by all means.
The 20th genocide anniversary was held under the theme, “Remember, Unite, and Renew.”
And Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta was among several diplomatic corps who attended the solemn event.