Macron hails “a considerable step forward”, Kigali “an important step”

“A considerable advance in the understanding and qualification of engagement” from France to Rwanda. This is how Emmanuel Macron welcomed the report of the Duclert commission on the role of Paris in the genocide of the Tutsi in Rwanda, the conclusions of which were revealed by The world Friday March 26. The head of state “Encourage” otherwise “The continuation of the work of knowledge and memory on the genocide of the Tutsi”, with the opening ” in the coming days “ of “Two main archives” on this file.

Emmanuel Macron had asked two years ago a commission of historians chaired by Vincent Duclert to look into this highly political question which has plagued relations between Paris and Kigali for twenty-seven years. While ruling out the qualification of complicity in genocide, their report underlines the “Overwhelming responsibility” of France and the blindness of François Mitterrand, President of the Republic at the time of this genocide which caused the death of 800,000 Tutsis in 1994.

Rwanda: the Duclert commission concludes that France was in military and political bankruptcy from 1990 to 1994

France, where many people suspected of having participated in the genocide of the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994 found refuge, “Will continue its efforts” against “Impunity” those responsible for crimes of genocide, added Macron. “We hope that this report can lead to further developments in our relationship with Rwanda” and, “This time, the merger process can be started irreversibly”, further clarified the presidency.

Rwanda welcomed the publication of the report on Friday, which constitutes “An important step towards a common understanding of France’s role”, in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “An investigation report commissioned by the Rwandan government in 2017 will be published in the coming weeks, the conclusions of which will complete and enrich those of the Duclert commission”, adds the ministry in this short text.

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“Worst scandal of the Ve Republic “

In the wake of the report’s submission, several French politicians also reacted. MEP Raphaël Glucksmann considered that the responsibility of the French State and of François Mitterrand constituted the “Worst scandal of the Ve Republic “.

Mr. Glucksmann was caught in a controversy with former socialist ministers during the 2019 European elections, for his comments on the attitude of François Mitterrand before and after this massacre. “Little by little, the truth will prevail and it is an important moment for France: a nation is growing to illuminate the darkest areas of its history”, he reacted to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Former Minister of Humanitarian Action (1992-1993) under the presidency of François Mitterrand, Bernard Kouchner told AFP: “I haven’t read the report yet, but blindness is a good word. [Les dirigeants français] had all the means to find out what was going on. They did not do it. “

The World with AFP