Findings from the report were presented to President Macron on 26th March 2021. It was made by an expert committee of French historians led by Prof. Vincent 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.
The report blames the then French President, François Mitterrand, for a “failure” of policy towards Rwanda in 1994. The findings were made public after years of French official secrecy over links to the Government led by Juvenal Habyarimana.
President Macron appointed the 15-member commission two years ago, giving them access to presidential, diplomatic, military and intelligence archives.
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
The commission members include experts on the Holocaust, on the massacres of Armenians in World War I and on international criminal law.
As he delivered the message marking the beginning of the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi; Kagame said that certain French officials have for decades tried to cover up their responsibilities (during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi) which caused significant damage and reminisced on the Duclert report which he welcomed highlighting that it marks an important step toward common understanding of what took place.
“Recently, a commission of historians appointed by the French government released a detailed report after reading official archives that had remained secret. The report shows that President Mitterrand and his closest advisers knew that genocide against Tutsi was being planned by their allies in Rwanda. Despite that knowledge, the president decided to continue supporting them, because he believed this was necessary for France’s geopolitical position. Rwandan lives were just pawns in geopolitical games,” he said.
“We welcome this report because it marks an important step toward a common understanding of what took place. It also marks a change, it shows the desire, even for leaders in France, to move forward with a good understanding of what happened, and we welcome this. We welcome this. We are going to have the report presented to us. I have been informed about it. It is a good thing,” added Kagame.
The President emphasized that Rwanda will, in the near future, release its findings going in the same direction with findings from Duclert report.
“Rwanda will also have a word to say in the near future, maybe around the third week of this month. The findings we have in our hands, based on the work that has been done by people who were commissioned to do that in parallel to what was being done in France — the findings go in the same direction. The important thing is to continue working together to document the truth. This is the truth,” he noted.
Kagame delivered the message today as he addressed remarks marking the beginning of the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi to Rwandans and friends of Rwanda.
The ceremony held after lighting the flame of hope at Kigali genocide Memorial, observed COVID-19 control measures including wearing of face masks, and keeping social distancing among others.
As he addressed participants, Kagame said that Kwibuka (remembrance) challenges Rwandans to reflect on the context of the present moment, ‘as well as the cumulative history that has led us here’.
Despite the fact that Rwanda may not yet be wealthy or fully healthy, and has vulnerabilities and limitations, like any country; the President highlighted the country knows how to deal with own problems which have turned Rwandans into resilient people full of purpose and hope.
From wounds of Genocide, emerged strength that helped Rwandans to strive for a united country that has promoted unity and reconciliation. Among others, Rwanda has registered fast progress after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi that it has been become a role model many countries worldwide come to learn from.
Considering the journey, Rwandans went through and attained progress; President Kagame said that the immensity of what has been achieved is almost miraculous that the results are attested to by Rwandans, and indeed indisputable.
“First, there are the tangible signs, things that we can see and feel. New buildings and roads. Better hospitals and health centres. Water and electricity services, where they never existed before. Visitors flocking to see Rwanda’s unique wildlife and enjoy our hospitality. But the intangible transformations which have taken place in the hearts and minds of our people are even more important. They allow progress to be sustained from generation to generation,” he said.
Despite efforts by genocide deniers and propagandists that continue to fuel genocide denials, and trivialization, Kagame stressed that Rwandans have managed to distinguish the right from evils and remained committed to their purpose to rebuild a better nation and consolidate gains.
“We also credit Rwanda’s rebirth to the fact that the larger part of Rwandans wanted to build a better nation and overcome the manipulations by the bad leaders of the past. Given the chance to live better and see things differently, our people seized it. This is an indispensable part of our strength,” he said.
“As a result, even in the midst of constant pressures and distractions, Rwanda today is unquestionably more united and forward-looking than ever before. And here, I am speaking particularly about the youth, who are the vast majority of our country’s people. That is why all efforts to divide and divert us have failed, and will continue to fail,” added Kagame.
The President emphasized that Rwandans of today have gained a lot, that they have something precious to defend. He however explained that it requires constant vigilance, along with a commitment to introspection and honesty.
“Decades, even centuries of progress, can be wiped away in the blink of an eye. We have seen examples in different societies around the world, no matter how advanced. I know for certain that Rwandans will always be ready to protect what we have built, without hesitation or apology,” he noted.
She delivered the message today via Twitter handle as Rwanda began the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi that will last for 100 days.
“Let us remember and continue to remind each other of our common identity as Rwandans; that we will stand by it, as well as pass it onto generations to come! Humura Rwanda!” she said.
Commemoration events will be held virtually in compliance with Coronavirus preventive measures. They will be aired on radios, televisions and other designated social media platforms.
On 26th January 2018, the United Nations declared 7th April as the international day for commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi.
On 7th April every year, the international community commemorates the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million Tutsi victims in three months.
President Paul Kagame alongside First Lady, Jeannette Kagame presided over the ceremony marking the beginning of the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi lighting the flame of remembrance and laying wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial where 259,000 genocide victims from Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge in Kigali city are laid to rest.
The report made by the Ministry of Local Government from 2000 to 2002 indicated that 1,074,017 Tutsis were killed during 100 days from April to July 1994. The report released in 2004 identifies places where genocide victims lived, their ages and names.
The ceremony took place today at Kigali Genocide Memorial where 259,000 remains of genocide victims from Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge in Kigali city are laid to rest.
On 7th April every year, the international community commemorates the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million Tutsi victims in three months.
It is a time to remember victims, unite through the strength of the Rwandan nation, and renew the determination to build a prosperous future.
Before lighting the flame of hope that will last for 100 days, Kagame along First Lady laid wreaths at the memorial’s mass graves as they paid tribute to fallen Genocide victims.
The ceremony was held observing strict COVID-19 control measures including wearing of face masks, and keeping social distancing among others.
In attendance were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Representatives from umbrella organizations of genocide survivors including IBUKA and AVEGA Agahozo.
After laying wreaths and paying tribute to genocide victims laid at the memorial, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame have joined over 500 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, gathered at Kigali Arena in observance of COVID-19 measures, for a ceremony marking the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This year, commemoration events will be held virtually in compliance with Coronavirus preventive measures. They will be aired on radios, televisions and other designated social media platforms.
On 26th January 2018, the United Nations declared 7th April as the international day for commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi.
Audoin-Rouzeau made the observation on Tuesday 6th April 2021, few days after Duclert report that reviewed archives on France’s role during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi presented findings to President Macron on 26th March 2021.
The committee that made the report was led by historian, Prof. Vincent 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.
The report also triggered reactions of other French soldiers who were deployed in ‘Opération Turquoise’ (a French-led military intervention in Rwanda since 1994) among other politicians who have been explaining the Government of the then French President, Mitterand disregarded for several times reports and evidences explaining that Genocide was under preparation in Rwanda.
France Inter Radio based in France yesterday aired a talk commenting on Duclert report in which a historian, Audoin-Rouzeau and female Rwandan survivor of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, Jeanne Allaire Kayigirwa were invited.
Audoin-Rouzeau who was delisted from the committee making Duclert report said that showing the role of France during the Genocide against Tutsi ‘ is a great milestone’ filling the gap among French nationals denying genocide.
“The Presidency Office had all means to know and refuse the existence of ethnic groups in Rwanda. This means, they were able to prevent racial discrimination and divisive Government of Habyarimana. It kept a blind eye to killings that took place in 1990 and continued with participation of Government officials. Duclert is clear enough,”he said.
Audoin-Rouzeau explained that there are many countries that apologized for role during the 1994 Genocie against Tutsi like Vatican and highlighted that France should also follow the suit.
“I beseech President Macron to apologize on behalf of France. The president of the Republic should support this truth. Belgians apologized and Vatican did so. Why should France refrain from apologizing? The President of the Republic should do so,” he advised.
Jeanne Allaire Kayigirwa also emphasized that findings of the report are clear but criticized the statement that France supported Habyarimana’s Government blindly.
“It is a great milestone but the word ‘blind’ is not corresponding to the context. You cannot state that it was blind to provide support yet it was well known that Habyarimana’s Government was characterized by racial discrimination, preparing the extermination of Tutsis,” she said.
Kayigirwa also insisted that Macron should apologize for France’s role during the Genocide against Tutsi.
“We are awaiting his reaction. We ask him to hold a speech on 7th April, at the day he dedicated for commemoration of the 1194 Genocide against Tutsi in his country. The time is now for the President of the Republic to apologize to families of genocide survivors,” she observed.
Speaking to IGIHE; Dr Sandeep Goyal, a Dentist & orthodontist at Advanced Dental Centre in Kigali city has deeply explained side effects of finger sucking, how parents can help children and how it can be rectified if it has damaged teeth and the jaw.
Dr. Goyal has said that finger sucking is a usual habit among children that it starts affecting the jaw after three years.
“Finger sucking is normal for a child but it causes side effects if the practice spans for over three years. It starts damaging teeth at this stage and can be harmful if parents do not seek assistance from a dentist,” he said.
Dr. Goyal explained that sucking fingers for over three years damages jaw bones, misaligns and prolongs teeth out of month, and affects nasal respiratory tracts.
Dr. Goyal has however revealed that such anomalies can be corrected.
“When someone has misaligned teeth to the extent that it causes speech impediment, the problem lies in bones structure. We bring them to normal using orthodontics braces. We also conduct surgery to correct the anomaly in case braces are not helpful,” he noted.
Dr. Goyal said that there are unusual braces made from laboratory placed in the mouth of children in age brackets between 8 and 10 to stop misalignment.
He advised parents to try their best to discourage children from finger-sucking addiction to avoid such side effects.
Dr. Goyal reminded parents whose children experienced side effects emanating from finger sucking to seek assistance from accredited dentists to properly rearrange teeth to stop speech impediment and stigma related to misalignment.
Advanced Dental Centre has all it takes to assist patients with longstanding expertize and specialists in teeth rearrangement. It also has specialists in charge of treating other teeth and mouth problems including bad breath, tooth decay, tooth extraction, brushing, and whitening.
The expert says that people should put down the idea that dental care is expensive but go to the Advanced Dental Centre as they work with various insurance companies, RSSB, MMI, and others and it works all day of the week.
For advice on how to take good care of your teeth and medical care call the experts of the Advanced Dental Centre on 0789313200.
He made the call yesterday on Monday 5th April 2021 as he met with local leaders, opinion leaders and development partners from respective sectors of Ruheru, Nyabimata, Muganza and Kivu in Nyaruguru district, Southern Province.
Minister Gatabazi reminded them that new COVID-19 cases are on high rise particularly in Southern Province and asked them to remain complaint to avoid whatever that could lead them to lockdown.
“Southern Province is the current major spotlight for new COVID-19 infections that it requires residents to up efforts in respecting instituted preventive directives. I have seen residents without wearing face masks along the road while others wore face masks when they arrived here at the meeting ground. It shouldn’t go that way. Face masks are not worn only in meetings. It is meant for protection whenever in public,” he said.
Gatabazi reminded them not to wear face masks only fearing local leaders or police officers but rather should be a routine whenever they leave home.
“Considering the current new cases in Huye, Gisagara and Nyaruguru among others, you need to think deeply about the situation and take action because it might lead to lockdown if the situation persists,” he noted.
Participants of the meeting pledged to increase efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
“It is apparent that we have been complacent in Southern Province. It is time to take action to intensify preventive measures to contain surging new cases,” said Venuste Bimenyimana.
Recently, the Government set specific measures in Southern Province following revelations that it has become the major hotspot for new cases. This saw the Government setting curfew hours from 7pm to 4am in Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts compared to other parts of the country where curfew hours were set from 9pm to 4am.
The statement from the Ministry of Health released last night shows that 173 of 202 new COVID-19 infections were found in Southern Province.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The report analyzed archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
The report of 1222 pages was presented on 26th March 2021 two years, after the delegation of 14 historians started reviewing archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
The report by French historians has 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.
The report said France had been “blind” to genocide preparations.
Dubbed ‘Duclert’, the report blames the then French President, François Mitterrand, for a “failure” of policy towards Rwanda in 1994. The findings were made public after years of French official secrecy over links to the Government led by Juvenal Habyarimana.
President Macron appointed the 15-member commission two years ago, giving them access to presidential, diplomatic, military and intelligence archives.
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
The commission members include experts on the Holocaust, on the massacres of Armenians in World War I and on international criminal law, all led by historian Vincent Duclert.
The report was released at a time when President Macron is planning a maiden visit to Rwanda, 11 years after Nicolas Sarkozy came to Rwanda in 2010.
Since the report was released, politicians including Hubert Védrine, the former Secretary-General of l’Elysée (French Presidency) under François Mitterrand leadership; Alain Juppé who once served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense, Florence Parly explained that they were satisfied with findings of the report with findings that the country was blind to genocide preparations but emphasized that it dodged to shed light on France’s open involvement.
During an interview with Jeune Afrique, Prof. Vincent Duclert was asked whether the report’s findings don’t reflect France’s institutions connection to genocide.
He explained that revelations by these politicians are among key concerns of the report that need response.
“For instance, Hubert Védrine insisted on our findings that ‘France didn’t have an open involvement’, a word we used based on reviewed archives on what happened during Genocide,” he said.
Duclert observed that Hubert Védrine wanted to serve with the released report to dismiss facts denying France’s role during Genocide.
“France’s policy towards Rwanda played a role during the Genocide even though French leaders were not aware or willing. This should also be accepted,” he said.
The report by historians shows that France was blind to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Duclert explains that the statement is based on the fact that the country disregarded warnings of genocide preparations that were taking place.
Historians that teamed with Duclert indicated that France’s role heavily relies on the country’s poor policy of keeping a blind eye and supporting racial discrimination driven and corrupt Government that fuels violence.
“Leaders thought that President Habyarimana could lead the country to democracy and peace,” he said.
Duclert committee also reviewed documents written by Pierre Joxe who was the Minister of Defense between January 1991 and 1993 who wrote to President François Mitterrand requesting for military action against escalating genocide preparations.
“It is apparent that they are related to Rwanda. He advised that instructions by President of the Republic should be released in a written form. However, Hubert Védrine denied delivering the message to President Mitterrand,”Duclert.
The historian also revealed that they reviewed documents exchanged between the Ministry of Defense and Colonel René Galinié, Defense Attaché to the Embassy of France in Rwanda and head of military cooperation mission. These letters carried disclaimers that they should be burnt after reading which Duclert highlights affects diplomatic relations.
The expert committee explained that all archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994 were not reviewed because some of them were not available or denied access to some archives.
Duclert said that many institutions facilitated the expert commission to access information but some remained reluctant.
“It is true that two institutions declined to assist us. I submitted two letters to both chambers of parliament at different times and personally met with the parliament’s chairperson at Hôtel de Lassay to request access exchanged documents,” he noted.
After meeting on 3rd July 2020, the parliament restricted the committee from accessing its archives.
‘Duclert’ report also ruled out accusations of wrongdoing by Operation Turquoise, a French-led military intervention in Rwanda.
Prof. Duclert said that on 16th May, the then French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alain Juppé learnt that Genocide was taking place.
“Along with Prime Minister, Édourd Balladur and Minister of Defense, François Léotard; they put pressure on President Mitterrand to set up rescue mechanism and stop France’s silence over the killings,” he said.
On 22nd June 1994, the United Nations (UN) on request of France decided to send troops to Rwanda under “Opération Turquoise” to rescue targeted victims.
A total of 2500 French troops were sent under the mission some of whom had served under ‘Opération Noroît’ in 1990 when Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) launched liberation struggle. At the time France was supporting Habyarimana.
As Opération Turquoise ended in August 1994, French troops helped officials in the Genocidaire Government to flee to Zaïre led by Mobutu at the time. Duclert’s report does not however shed light on that support.
Duclert explained that both country’s relations seemed to reach the end when RPF liberated the country on 4th July 1994.
The district has made the call few days before the beginning of the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
The mobilization to remind residents to provide information comes few days after remains of 150 genocide victims were exhumed at a home of former EX-FAR militiaman from three mass graves in Nyamirambo upon tip off from a resident.
It is said that the resident revealed whereabouts these victims are dumped after clashes with the family whose compounds contained the remains.
Following the revelation that some people are not willing to tell the truth, Nyarugeneg district has delegated unity and reconciliation committee at village level with responsibilities to analyze barriers hindering unity and reconciliation efforts.
The executive secretary of Nyarugenge district, Ngabonziza Emmy has told IGIHE that they are requesting residents to provide information so that remains of genocide victims can be buried decently and facilitate unity and reconciliation.
“Residents should understand that it is the responsibility of every Rwandan to tell the truth to contribute to unity and reconciliation efforts. They should feel at ease to reveal whereabouts remains of genocide victims are dumped to be buried because it won’t threaten their security,” he said.
Ngabonziza explained that withholding information on where victims are dumped is a barrier to unity and reconciliation because relatives always feel shocked.
“It facilitates forgiveness when people feel free to reveal such information. During the recent meeting with Ibuka representatives from district to sector levels, it was observed that genocide survivors are ready to forgive but they need to know who they should forgive. However, withholding information is still a barrier,” he said.
One of genocide survivors in Nyakabanda sector who spoke to IGIHE on condition of anonymity said that unity and reconciliation can’t be attained to the maximum if people are still reluctant to reveal information.
“We are ready to forgive those who take steps forward to reveal whereabouts victims are dumped but how can you forgive someone who keeps quiet yet he/she knows where your relatives were dumped,” he wondered.
The Acting executive secretary of Kigali sector, Ngarambe Wellars has said that mobilization is ongoing to encourage residents to provide information about where more genocide victims were killed and dumped.
“It is a serious problem because that area in former Butamwa is among other places where Tutsis were killed heinously. Tutsis were killed and dumped in River Nyabarongo that relatives could not trace their remains for decent burial. We are however mobilizing residents in collaboration with committees of genocide survivors to reveal whereabouts victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi are dumped to be accorded decent burial,” he noted.
Figures show that 45,536 Tutsis were killed in Nyarugenge district.
The development has been revealed by the Ministry of Infrastructure via Twitter handle.
“It was in February 2018, 3 years now after the start of the rehabilitation and upgrading works of the of 208 Km Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusumo road. Today, this regional road network is an emblematic facility connecting Northern and Central Corridors, constructed at a cost of $376.5 million,” reads the tweet.
Speaking to IGIHE, the deputy Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Authority (RTDA), Patrick Emile Baganizi has said that construction activities were carried out smoothly without delays.
He explained that the road is expected to facilitate connectivity among cross border traders.
“The road paves the way for development activities in Nyagatare, Kayonza and Kirehe districts. The road will also boost connectivity among regional countries. You remember that trucks transporting goods from Mombasa port use the road to reach Kagitumba as well as those from Dar es Salaam to Rusumo border. Using quality roads reduces time trucks used to spend along the road,” he said.
