The annual city festival in Finland was this year arranged in Tampere from May 17th to 19th. During this three-day event, a variety of activities took place throughout the city, including masses, devotions, discussion programs, music performances, and art exhibitions. The festival gathered tens of thousands of people from all over the country, making it a significant cultural and spiritual event.

A highlight of the festival was the Thursday discussion at the Tampere Cathedral featuring Bishop Teemu Laajasalo and Finnish-Rwandan, retired Detective Chief Superintendent Thomas Elfgren Ramba. The themes of their conversation were renewal, reconciliation, and forgiveness, framed by Elfgren Ramba's experience leading the investigation of Francois Bazaramba, who was sentenced in Finland to life imprisonment for his role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The discussion, which was also streamed by the daily newspaper Aamulehti to an audience of tens of thousands, focused on two profound questions: What can be forgiven? After what, is there still a chance for a new start? Bishop Laajasalo opened the discussion by noting the significance of this year marking 30 years since the genocide began. He highlighted that a million people died within 100 days, yet Rwanda has embarked on a unique reconciliation process, leading to growth and prosperity. He posed a question to the audience: What could we in Finland learn about reconciliation, national unity, and tolerance of differing opinions?

Thomas Elfgren Ramba reflected on the importance of giving victims and survivors the opportunity to be heard, emphasizing the unique concept of Gacaca trials in Rwanda. He remarked on the country's zero tolerance for segregation and hate speech, a policy that some outsiders interpret as an infringement on freedom of speech. However, he stressed that no country, whether Finland or Rwanda, can afford to allow freedom of expression to justify hate speech and racism, which can lead to violence.

Elfgren Ramba also extended an invitation to the audience to visit Rwanda, highlighting its beauty, nature, and safety. He noted that experiencing Rwanda firsthand offers valuable insights into the nation's remarkable journey of recovery and reconciliation.

The event was a reminder of the power of forgiveness and the importance of unity in the face of past atrocities. It showcased the strength of the human spirit and the potential for nations to heal and thrive through unity and forgiveness.