On Thursday, July 17, 2025, a historic moment took place in the heart of Helsinki, the Finnish capital. Despite the distance and the relatively small size of the Rwandan community in Finland, members from cities such as Helsinki and Rovaniemi gathered peacefully in front of the Finnish Parliament to demand the immediate release of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza and to denounce the ongoing political persecution in Rwanda.
The Message from Protesters in Helsinki
Victoire Ingabire, an emblematic figure of the Rwandan opposition, represents hope for a democratic and free Rwanda. Exiled to the Netherlands in 1994, she returned to Rwanda in 2010 to run for president, but was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Released after 8 years due to international pressure, she has now been re-imprisoned , a symbol of the persistent repression carried out by the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).
During the demonstration, participants shared powerful messages:
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Madame Victoire Ingabire!”
From Vantaa, Gilbert Habinshuti stated :
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Herman Rurakaza, representative of the FDU-Inkingi party in Finland, declared:
“Enough is enough. Let us never accept being silenced by the RPF’s autocratic regime.”
Rukundo Samuel, secretary of the organizing committee, emphasized:
“The government may imprison her body, but never her spirit. It lives in each of us.”
From Turku, Placide Twahirwa firmly denounced:
“Harassment, abductions, targeted killings, and human rights violations must stop immediately.”
In closing, Prosper Karame, president of the organizing committee and a close associate of Victoire Ingabire, delivered a strong message:
“To deny someone their human rights is to deny their humanity. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
A Wave of International Solidarity
This gathering is part of a growing global movement following the re-arrest of Victoire Ingabire on June 19, 2025 , a decision widely regarded as unjust and politically motivated by voices across the international community.
Similar protests have already taken place:
- In Brussels, Rwandan activists protested in front of EU institutions, urging the European Union to take action.
- In Berlin, a silent march was held in front of the Rwandan embassy to denounce the crackdown on dissent.
On July 26, a major rally is expected in Paris, at the Esplanade du Trocadéro (Parvis des Droits de l’Homme), in solidarity with Victoire Ingabire.
On Friday, July 18, the Kicukiro Primary Court ruled on Victoire Ingabire’s request for provisional release. The court rejected the request and ordered a 30-day pre-trial detention.
Prudence NSENGUMUKIZA
