The report released last year was presented to French President Emmanuel Macron on 26th March 2021. <\/p>\n
Dubbed Duclert, the report by French historians revealed that France bears “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims.<\/p>\n
The report blames the then French President, Fran\u00e7ois Mitterrand, for a “failure” of policy towards Rwanda in 1994. The findings were made public on 19th April 2021 after years of French official secrecy over links to the Government led by Juvenal Habyarimana.<\/p>\n
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juv\u00e9nal Habyarimana.<\/p>\n
Speaking to IGIHE, Prof. Duclert said that their work was much needed to reveal the truth and fight trivialization of Genocide against Tutsi. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe were assigned to conduct the research that was of great significance to us, particularly because Genocide survivors have rights to know the truth on the role played by French people [through established leadership],\u201d he stated. <\/p>\n
Prof. Duclert explained that Genocide denial fuelled by the propaganda of Mitterand and other activities undermining affected people were among issues of concerns. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs we released the report, we opened all windows widely. It soothed people\u2019s hearts because we were able to tackle such denial. It was something difficult to bear for researchers and citizens,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Despite the fact that their work is ongoing, Prof. Duclert revealed that they have got foundation helping them to fulfill their smoothly in collaboration with European researchers and Africans. <\/p>\n