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Macron opens Paris memorial to Rwandan genocide victims, calls it reconciliation milestone

From Al Jazeera · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • France inaugurated a memorial in Paris for victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, marking a step in reconciliation between the two nations.
  • President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged France's responsibility and failure to act, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised France's efforts to set the record straight.
  • The monument, called 'The Archive,' honors the estimated 800,000 victims, primarily ethnic Tutsis, and signifies ongoing efforts to confront historical responsibilities.

French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated a new memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a significant step in the ongoing process of reconciliation between France and Rwanda. The monument, named 'The Archive,' stands as a testament to the estimated 800,000 men, women, and children, predominantly ethnic Tutsis, who were massacred between April and July 1994.

An unprecedented reconciliation has emerged between Rwanda and France. This monument, while it is an achievement, is not an end. It is a milestone on a path we have opened.

— Emmanuel MacronFrench President Emmanuel Macron speaking at the inauguration of the Rwandan genocide victims' memorial in Paris.

Speaking at the ceremony alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Macron described the memorial as a "milestone on a path we have opened." He acknowledged France's "responsibility" and its failure to heed warnings of impending massacres, though he has not issued a formal apology. The inauguration follows Macron's 2019 visit to Kigali, where he first admitted France's role and inaction.

Kagame commended Macron for his "courage and humanity," noting that while many countries failed to act, France has gone further than others in confronting its past. "Confronting historical responsibilities requires real courage because it generates a fierce opposition by those with a case to answer," Kagame stated. The two nations have a complex history, marked by decades of tension stemming from France's support of Rwanda's Hutu-dominated government during the genocide, which led to a diplomatic break from 2006 to 2009.

France was not alone in falling short, far from it. Many other countries did so as well, but none has gone as far as France in setting the record straight and accepting its part in the tragedy.

— Paul KagameRwandan President Paul Kagame praising France's efforts to acknowledge its role in the genocide.

A 2021 commission led by historian Vincent Duclert concluded that France's colonial attitude blinded it to the events leading up to the genocide, bearing a "serious and overwhelming" responsibility. The new memorial, consisting of two black brass steles, represents a culmination of efforts to uncover the truth and foster an "unprecedented reconciliation" between Rwanda and France.

Confronting historical responsibilities requires real courage because it generates a fierce opposition by those with a case to answer.

— Paul KagameRwandan President Paul Kagame commenting on the challenges of acknowledging historical responsibilities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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