On the solemn occasion of the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, a commemorative event was held in Helsinki, Finland, organised by Ibuka Finland in collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in the Nordic countries and Rwandans living in Finland.
The day began with a morning service at Alppila Church in Helsinki, where members of the Rwandan diaspora gathered alongside guests. Reverend Riikka Renna of Kallio Parish and Pastor Jerome Nyandwi of St. Andrew's Church in Finland led a poignant spiritual moment, illuminating candles to honour the memories of the victims. The St. Andrew's church choir, Jehovanis, comprised of Rwandan youth, took part in the solemn event, lending their voices to the commemoration.
Following the service, attendees embarked on a Walk to Remember, continuing the commemoration with speeches and music. Rwandans and their friends, alongside members of the diplomatic corps based in Helsinki, participated in the Walk to Remember, symbolising solidarity and remembrance.
The commemoration continued at Helsinki työväenopisto, where ample time was allocated to delve into the history of Rwanda and the factors that precipitated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, resulting in the loss of over one million lives.
At the main event, Bishop Teemu Laajasalo of the Helsinki Diocese and Pastor Jerome Nyandwi led a joint spiritual session, observing a moment of silence.
The opening remarks were delivered by Vice-Chairman of Ibuka Finland, Victoire N. Tuhkanen who thanked all for joining Rwandans in remembering the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who lost their lives based on their ethnicity. In her address, Tuhkanen remarked, "Finland and Rwanda, geographically distant, share histories marked by both triumph and profound tragedy. Finland, known for its happiness, carries its own scars. Likewise, Rwanda, a land of natural beauty, endures the legacy of a Genocide against the Tutsi, which intended to destroy its people. Despite this, both nations demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit.”
She went on to extend her gratitude to RPF-Inkotanyi and President Paul Kagame for their pivotal role in rebuilding Rwanda from the devastation of the Genocide. They inherited a nation scarred by loss, with countless orphans and widows, facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through their leadership, they guided Rwanda towards unity, reconciliation, and progress, transforming it into a beacon of hope and resilience. Their commitment to peace and stability has not only transformed Rwanda but also positioned it as a global advocate for peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Michel Nshimiyimana, the president of Ibuka Finland, shared survivor testimony. Nshimiyimana bravely recounted the harrowing experiences his family endured, beginning in 1992 when they were targeted and harassed, leading to the imprisonment of his parents and the tragic loss of many relatives. He emphasised the premeditated nature of the Genocide, revealing that the atrocities were planned years in advance. Nshimiyimana also shared the heart-breaking accounts of his sisters, who faced terror from neighbours’ dogs, were denied access to education, and experienced further trauma even when attending school.
In a touching moment, Nshimiyimana expressed profound gratitude to RPF-Inkotanyi for halting the Genocide and restoring hope to Rwandans amidst unimaginable darkness. Their intervention not only saved lives but also instilled a renewed sense of resilience and determination among survivors like Nshimiyimana and countless others.
Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, Deputy Director General of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed Finland’s unwavering support for Rwandans during this solemn time of remembrance. She affirmed that Finland stands in solidarity with Rwanda, not only in commemoration but also in the ongoing journey of development and the promotion of peace. This commitment underscores Finland’s enduring partnership with Rwanda, reflecting a shared vision for a better, more peaceful future for all.
Other speakers included former Minister of Justice and current Director of the Rule of Law Center at the University of Helsinki, Tuija Brax. Brax served as Minister of Justice when Finnish authorities initiated legal proceedings against Francois Bazaramba, who was subsequently convicted in Finland and sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Brax remarked on the profound lessons that Rwanda offers to the world, particularly in its remarkable efforts to overcome ethnic divisions and foster unity. She highlighted Rwanda’s swift implementation of laws that protect all Rwandans, emphasising that these measures are not merely symbolic but actively enforced, ensuring the rights and safety of every citizen. Rwanda’s rapid progress in addressing deep-seated societal divisions serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of proactive measures and collective determination in building a more inclusive and just society.
Ambassador Dr Diane Gashumba delivered a powerful address, shedding light on the dangerous resurgence of Genocide denial and hate speech. She vividly recounted the international community’s indifference and the cynical attitude of certain Western countries during Rwanda's darkest days.
Gashumba underscored the insidious nature of denial, a well-documented phase of genocide, and lamented the proliferation of false narratives prevalent in today’s digital landscape. She highlighted how perpetrators, with ample time to prepare for their atrocities, now manipulate online platforms to disseminate distorted versions of history.
She added that while survivors grappled with the immense challenges of healing, confronting mental health issues, and coping with the enduring scars of their traumatic experiences, the perpetrators of the Genocide were actively engaged in crafting false narratives and seeking international support.
Meanwhile, the government, in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, committed itself to fostering unity, promoting reconciliation, facilitating recovery, and driving economic growth.
The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Thomas Elfgren Ramba, a man of Finnish descent who recently acquired Rwandan nationality. Ramba previously led the team responsible for investigating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi during the trial of Bazaramba, who was sentenced to life in prison.
The panel discussion featured the Ambassador, the Vice Chairman of Ibuka Finland, Tuija Brax, and former minister and long-time parliamentary member Kimmo Sasi.
In his opening remarks, Ramba stated, "Before delving into our discussion, let me dispel a notion from the outset: Holocaust denial is not a human right. These are not my words; these are the words articulated by the European Court of Human Rights in a landmark decision rendered in 2014. Since the Holocaust, the world has witnessed genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Darfur, Bangladesh, and Rwanda. The phrase ‘Never Again’ embodies a sentiment of hope, but ‘yet again’ is the reality.”
This commemorative event not only honoured the memory of the victims but also served as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.