Africa-Press – Rwanda. A memorial site for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was officially unveiled in the city of Vantaa, Finland on June 4, making it the first such monument in Northern Europe.
The memorial, located in Jokiniemi near Finland’s national airport, was inaugurated in an event attended by Rwandans living in Finland, their friends, Rwandan Ambassador to the Nordic countries, Diane Gashumba, and city officials from Vantaa.
The memorial’s inauguration was also marked by a solemn Kwibuka31 commemoration ceremony, bringing together survivors, academia, media houses and people of the City of Vantaa,.
Gashumba thanked the Finnish government and people for their commitment to truth and justice, highlighting the importance of memorials in the healing of survivors and educating the world about the Genocide that claimed more than one million lives.
“The truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is undeniable. Those who fail to see it are either ignoring it or protecting other interests,” Gashumba said during the event that brought together over 250 people.
The ambassador commended the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and President Paul Kagame for stopping the Genocide and restoring Rwanda’s dignity and ensuring every Rwandan plays a role in rebuilding the nation.
Michel Nshimiyimana, president of Ibuka Finland, expressed deep gratitude to the people and leadership of Vantaa for their understanding and compassion.
Mourners follow a presenation during the commemoration event that followed the inauguration of the memorial
“This memorial is more than a structure,” said Nshimiyimana. “It is a space where Rwandans in Finland can gather, honour our loved ones, and teach our children the truth about our history.”
“The survivors are standing strong today because of the hope and support they have received. This memorial speaks for those who can no longer speak and gives them the dignity they deserve,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Henry Westlin, the Mayor Vantaa, underscored the significance of remembrance in preventing future atrocities.
“Forgetting leads to repetition,” said Westlin. “Remembering helps us fight hate and division. The location, with its serene garden and historical buildings, provides a respectful space for reflection and remembrance. This memorial is a strong message of solidarity with Rwandans and the world against genocide and denial,” he said.
Ambassador Gashumba and officials observe a moment of silence during the event
The site also is close to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the institution that investigated François Bazaramba, a Rwandan convicted of genocide by Finnish courts in 2010.
The memorial was made possible through collaboration between Ibuka Finland, the Embassy of Rwanda in the Nordic countries, the Rwandan diaspora in Finland, and the City of Vantaa.
The city not only provided the space but also committed to maintaining and protecting the site as a peaceful and dignified environment.
Ambassador Diane Gashumba during a commemoration event after inauguration of the memorial
A memorial site for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was officially unveiled in the city of Vantaa, Finland on June 4
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