WELCOME REMARKS BY H.E. AMBASSADOR BANKOLE ADEOYE,

Charles Karamba (Rtd), Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and Permanent Representative to the African Union; Excellencies, Chair and Members of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee. [...] Distinguished Representatives of Religious Leaders in Ethiopia; Distinguished Members of the Rwandan Community; Representatives of the Civil Society Organisations, the Academia and the Media College Students and Students of higher institutions present; 1 Staff of the African Union Commission Ladies and Gentlemen; Good morning. [...] It is in this connection that the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in 2010 resolved that April 7th of each year, going forward, should be dedicated by the African Union to the commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda with the aim of preventing genocide in Africa. [...] We see its echoes in conflicts around the continent and elsewhere in the world, in the rise of hate speech and xenophobia, and in the indifference that allows atrocities to occur. [...] And in this connection, it is gratifying to note that the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA), have on their part, with the support of the AU Commission, through its department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and with the catalytic push of the Electoral Commission of 5 South Africa, adopted in Cotonou last November, Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Soc.