{{ {In an exclusive interview with Jean Pierre and Thomas Hofung, President Paul Kagame reacted to Frances stance to not apologise to Rwanda for their alleged role in the 1994 Tutsi Genocide in Rwanda that claimed a million lives. President Kagame said in the interview, “I will not comment on the attitude of France. What seems clear is that no one can force someone to apologize. It is not I who will get into such an undertaking; it would be a waste of time. Below Igihe.com reproduces excerpts of the interview.} }}
Pierre: {{During your visit, you said you wanted to escape the weight of history. Does this mean that you give up on the apology from Paris about the genocide?}}
{{Kagame}}: We must not allow ourselves to be trapped by history but, rather, go ahead. We must build a new bilateral relationship between the French and Rwanda. Everything else will flow from this ability to make new connections. Without the establishment of a relationship, nothing will be possible.
Pierre: {{Can this relationship, lead to the establishment of a joint commission of historians to examine the responsibilities of each other in what happened?}}
{{Kagame}}: This is exactly what we can do if we can first build the new relationship that I hope for. This commission would function as a platform.
The past is the past, we cannot go back. We drive this development with pragmatism, without forgetting the past, but without rehashing.
Pierre: {{Why is this possible today between Paris and Kigali yet it wasn’t possible in the previous days?}}
{{Kagame}}: To move forward, it takes two. I have before met Nicolas Sarkozy, who is pragmatic and forward looking. As I am
Pierre: {{What will happen to the Mucyo Report [from the Rwandan commission which blames the French political and military for their alleged role in the genocide]?}}
{{Kagame}}: It is not for me to say. Justice must do its job. At one point, this work could appear necessary. Today we have entered a new phase.
Pierre: {{How do you explain that France which was the country most involved in the Rwandan crisis, refuses to apologize, while Belgians, Americans and the UN have done?}}
{{Kagame}}: I will not comment on the attitude of France. What seems clear is that no one can force someone to apologize. It is not I who will get into such an undertaking; it would be a waste of time.
Pierre: {{An investigation by the Justice Marc Trévidic is under way on the downing of the President’s Habyarimana’s plan in April 1990. Are you concerned about it?}}
{{Kagame}}: I do not want to prejudge the conclusions to be made. I note that he came to Rwanda to better document its case, which seemed logical and desirable.
We comment on the matter when his investigation is concluded. But I would like to remember you that we have our justice.
We are not sited to wait passively for a foreign magistrate to judge us and tell us the truth. Those who fired the missiles and their procedure, the facts speak for themselves.
Pierre: {{Your visit gives has risen violent reactions in some military or political figures in France…}}
{{Kagame}}: I realize it, but it seems to me that there are more people in our countries who are interested and who support the normalization of relations between France and Rwanda. We should not forget that reality.
Pierre: {{The head of French diplomacy, Alain Juppe, made sure not to be in Paris during your visit. Do you mind about it?}}
{{Kagame}}: Not at all! It is not he who invited me, but the President. Alain Juppe is not my counterpart.
But his absence is contrary to diplomatic usage…
Again, what matters to me is the future of our relations. They must not be polluted in the past.
Pierre: {{What form will this new cooperation between the French and Rwanda have?}}
{{Kagame}}: France can invest in a range of sectors: energy, tourism, and infrastructure. We need all the help possible to develop our people because many are still poor.
Pierre: {{Is it a military cooperation that you look forward to?}}
{{Kagame}}: Why not? Do not exclude, we should not under look any sector. France has a role to play, especially in the field of social, economic and even military security.
Pierre: {{Are you worried about the security of your country?}}
{{Kagame}}: Let me say that Rwanda is the safest country in the region and even beyond. But we remain vigilant in relation to what can happen in our neighboring Congo.
Pierre: {{You have criticized the French intervention in Ivory Coast…}}
{{Kagame}}: All interventions are not equal in terms of legitimacy. But outside interference resulting primarily from the inability of Africans to take charge and solve their own problems. The African Union should have the ability to provide its own operations, peacekeeping in Africa.
Pierre: {{France is said to have intervened to restore peace. What do you think of this concept?}}
{{Kagame}}: As leader of a country that has suffered a genocide, I can only approve it. But at the same time, one cannot help but wonder why it comes at such a place and not another. What are criteria determine the decision?
Pierre: {{Do you agree with the intervention in Libya?}}
{{Kagame}}: There was a real risk of massacre in Benghazi. In this sense, it was necessary to intervene. But, in retrospect, we discover the hidden agenda of each other, that they also defend their interests.
Pierre:{{Organizations of human rights severely criticized the situation in Rwanda…}}
{{Kagame}}: Such people are characterized by siding to one side too much. Let them come and ask the Rwandans and listen to their voices, and they will see for themselves the truth. I wish to listen to constructive debates from the reality other than just putting Rwanda in segregation. The Rwanda of tomorrow, gives equal opportunities to its people and supports the weak.
Pierre: {{The opponent Ingabire was thrown in jail…}}
{{Kagame}}: I cannot understand all the fuss around this woman. As if it could be a threat to me. It is not. She recognized herself breaking the rules of our country. We have institutions, justice must work seamlessly.
Pierre: {{You got 93% of the votes in the last election. Where is democracy?}}
{{Kagame}}: But you ignore the particular context of our country! We are the product of a very specific history, marked by genocide. By voting for me, people are in favor of security, economic development.
Some of them finger point at us on human rights. But over 90% of children attend school, and 92% of the population has health insurance.
Is this not human rights? Voters are free to put ballots in the ballot box. But, obviously, they do not. In fact, some abroad would like us to remain at a level below theirs. Now we are developing.
They have a negative bias against us. Moreover, Chirac won over 80% of the vote in the election of 2002…
Pierre: {{How do you explain the rise of criticism from traditional allies, the British and the Americans?}}
{{Kagame}}: They must be weighed. The British are preparing to increase their aid. Americans know that we can account for the use of every dollar received. We welcome this support.
But we have not asked for any favors. I hear that we would look to France as Anglo-Saxons forsake us. It’s ridiculous. We do not beg.
Pierre: {{The United Nations has produced reports highly critical of your role in eastern Congo, accusing you of massive crimes and plunder the resources of the subsoil.}}
{{Kagame}}: As if the problems of the DRC were connected only in Rwanda. For decades there prevailing violence in the region. Right now as we speak of there are atrocities being committed against civilians and we have no role in it. We are committed to the stability of Congo, and we remain vigilant.
Pierre: {{Will there be a Hutu run your country?}}
{{Kagame}}: And why not a white man? You, the West, you bring any issues tribe. See, I was elected with over 90% of the votes. Rwandans vote according to political criteria. We must bring this tribal image to an end.
