Rwanda has unveiled two permanent monuments at Burma Camp in Accra in honour of Ghanaian peacekeepers who served under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, recognising their courage in protecting thousands of lives at the height of the conflict.
The monuments — the Memorial Stone and the Kwibuka Flame of Hope were unveiled recently by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, during a commemorative ceremony held at Burma Camp.
The memorials commemorate one of the darkest chapters in modern history. Between April and July 1994, an estimated one million people, predominantly Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
At a time when several countries withdrew their peacekeeping contingents following the escalation of violence, Ghana maintained its troops under UNAMIR, enabling them to protect thousands of civilians and support humanitarian efforts. Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, who served as Deputy Force Commander of UNAMIR, later received Rwanda’s highest national honour for bravery in recognition of his leadership.
The two monuments, constructed by the Government of Rwanda, stand as a permanent tribute to the sacrifices and humanitarian service of the Ghana Armed Forces during the genocide, while also symbolising Rwanda’s enduring gratitude for Ghana’s role in saving lives.
The Memorial Stone, in particular, carries a solemn inscription honouring the bravery of Ghanaian peacekeepers under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Henry Kwami Anyidoho. The inscription reads:
“This Memorial Stone was established in recognition of the Ghanaian Peacekeepers whose courage under the leadership of Maj.Gen. Henry Kwami Anyidoho helped preserve thousands of innocent lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. May their bravery inspire all who pass here to lead with conviction and to protect peace and human dignity.”
Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Ablakwa commended the Government and people of Rwanda for what he described as an enduring expression of appreciation and remembrance.
“The Government of Ghana highly commends the Government and friendly people of Rwanda for constructing these two significant monuments at Burma Camp as an enduring symbol of their appreciation and eternal remembrance of the leadership and sacrifices of the Ghana Armed Forces to protect Rwandan lives,” he stated.
The Kwibuka Flame of Hope, also unveiled at the site, symbolises remembrance and resilience, reflecting Rwanda’s broader post-genocide commitment to unity, healing, and the prevention of future atrocities.
The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi remains one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Over a period of about 100 days, extremist militias and elements of the former Rwandan government systematically killed an estimated one million people before the genocide was brought to an end.
The tragedy continues to serve as a global reminder of the devastating consequences of ethnic hatred and the importance of preventing mass atrocities.
Mr. Ablakwa also expressed hope that the monuments would stand as enduring reminders of the shared responsibility to build a more just and compassionate world.
“May these monuments remind us of our unfinished task in making the world a better place and may humanity win the war against genocide, hatred, bigotry and division,” he added.
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