Rwanda: France To Erect Memorial To Honour Genocide Victims

Almost two years after the French president made a highly symbolic trip to Rwanda, the presidency announced on Friday the upcoming erection of a memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1994 genocide.

Survivors have praised the move Analyst Seidik Abba emphasised a significant advancement.

"The mere fact of erecting a monument dedicated to victims of the 1994 genocide in the heart of the French capital is a major step forward in France's recognition of its responsibility in the reconciliation process between Paris and Kigali," he added. 

"It's not repentance, but it looks like it to me." It is something that demonstrates France's acceptance of responsibility for what occurred.

Two reviews, finished in March and April 2021, investigated France's participation in the genocide, which killed an estimated 800,000 people. 

According to the Duclert study, France's government has "significant" culpability for "enabling a foreseeable genocide."

"It will be difficult for France to go beyond that because there are obstacles," Seidik Abba stated.

"For example, the military lobby and some left-wing groups during President Mitterrand's tenure who believe France did nothing wrong." 

They are in a denial stance. However, considering that France's political authorities took the step of admitting guilt with the Duclert report, as well as creating a memorial, all of this is significant. 

It will not wipe away the survivors' anguish or bring those who perished back to life, but it is symbolic.

Rwanda's government and genocide survivor organisations have accused France of training and arming rebels and former government troops who were at the forefront of the massacre.

The announcement of the monument erection coincides with the beginning of the 29th anniversary of the genocide.