He made the call at at the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, held in Berlin on April 7, 2025.
The event brought together dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Rwandan community in Germany to reflect on the genocide and honor the victims.
Amb. Cesar acknowledged the progress Rwanda has made in the past three decades, highlighting the country's remarkable recovery and ongoing reconciliation efforts.
However, he stressed that the fight against forgetting, distortion, and indifference remains critical.
"Your presence here today is not merely an act of solidarity, it is also a deep sign of compassion and a commitment to stand united against genocide," he remarked.
The Ambassador also reflected on the deep-rooted causes of the genocide, tracing the origins of ethnic division and hatred to the colonial period.
"The genocide against the Tutsi was the culmination of decades-long ethnic-based hate and ideology of division instigated by colonial administrations," he stated.
Amb. Cesar discussed the systematic nature of the genocide, during which over one million Tutsis and those who opposed it were killed in just 100 days.
He emphasized that it was a state-sponsored crime, executed with the help of Hutu extremist militias mobilized by local leaders and encouraged by media propaganda, all carried out under the watchful eye of the international community.
Amb. Cesar also highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by genocide ideology, which continues to spread in the region and abroad.
He pointed out that despite Rwanda's achievements, the narrative of genocide denial and revisionism persists, particularly on social media platforms.
"Genocide denial and genocide ideology is dominated by revisionism. It acknowledges the facts but sabotages and distorts at the same time its meaning," he warned.
The event saw notable contributions from various speakers, including Dr. Uschi Eid, President of Deutsche Afrika Stiftung.
The ceremony was also marked by the testimony of survivor Ms. Dimitri Sissi, whose powerful words brought a personal and emotional dimension to the commemoration.
In closing, Ambassador Cesar reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to combating genocide ideology and preventing future atrocities.
"We as a country reaffirm our commitment to play our rightful role among the international community in fighting genocide ideology and preventing genocide," he concluded, emphasizing the importance of collective action in ensuring that the horrors of the past are never repeated.
Christian Ngarambe, the Chairperson of Ibuka in Berlin, who represented Judence Kayitesi, President of Ibuka Deutschland, also honored the memory of over a million innocent lives lost in the genocide. He reflected on the enduring resilience of survivors who have rebuilt both their lives and the nation.
'To remember is to preserve history,' Ngarambe stated, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the truth is never distorted or forgotten.
He stressed that commemoration is not only about remembering the past but also about standing firm against genocide denial and revisionism.
"We must remain vigilant, defending the truth with unwavering commitment," he added.
Ngarambe also highlighted Rwanda's remarkable progress in rebuilding after the genocide, noting that the country's strength lies in choosing unity over division and justice over vengeance.
'Out of the ashes of the genocide, Rwanda has chosen unity over division, justice over vengeance, and hope over despair,' he said.
However, he reminded the audience that unity and reconciliation require ongoing effort, urging future generations to continue the work of peace and dialogue.
With a call to action, he emphasized that genocide is not just a Rwandan issue, but a global failure of humanity.
'The lessons of the 1994 genocide must serve as a warning to the world that hatred, division, and indifference can lead to unimaginable horrors,' he stated, urging everyone to fight against discrimination and injustice in all its forms.
Ngarambe ended her speech by urging the younger generation to be the guardians of this history and to ensure that the values of unity and reconciliation continue to thrive.
"Today, we remember. We mourn. But we also commit ourselves to action," he concluded, calling on all to stand together in the fight against hatred, for truth, dignity, and humanity.
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
