Portrait of Emmanuel Macron
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Emmanuel Macron on Rwanda Relations/History

Acknowledged role in history (strong)

Emmanuel Macron has significantly addressed the history between France and Rwanda, focusing heavily on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Macron delivered a major speech in 2021 in which he acknowledged France's role and responsibility in the events leading up to and during the genocide, marking a distinct shift in French governmental discourse.

His administration has pursued a policy of reconciliation, involving official apologies and diplomatic engagements, while continuing to manage the sensitive political relationship with the Rwandan government under President Paul Kagame.

Context

The relationship between France and Rwanda has been historically fraught, primarily due to the French government's perceived support for the Hutu-led regime prior to and during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Emmanuel Macron's presidency represents an attempt to reframe this historical narrative, moving away from outright denial of French culpability that characterized previous administrations toward a more open acknowledgment of its role and responsibility in the tragedy.

Timeline

  1. As a presidential candidate, Emmanuel Macron stated that France bore responsibility for the events leading up to the Genocide against the Tutsi.
  2. Macron stated that France was not complicit in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, but reaffirmed France's responsibility in the context of the genocide.
  3. President Macron delivered a speech in Paris acknowledging France's 'heavy and overwhelming responsibility' in the events leading to the Genocide against the Tutsi.
  4. During a visit to Kigali, Macron met with Paul Kagame and discussed bilateral relations, following the earlier acknowledgment of French responsibility.

Actions Taken

  1. Historical Review
    Commissioned a historical report by Benjamin Stora on France's relationship with Algeria, which informed the broader approach to colonial legacies, similar to the focus on Rwanda.
  2. Official Statement
    Delivered a major speech acknowledging France's heavy and overwhelming responsibility in the context of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
  3. Diplomatic Visit
    Visited Kigali for official bilateral meetings with President Kagame following the major acknowledgment of responsibility.

Key Quotes

France, in relation to what happened, has a part of responsibility, a part of the history we share. And for this, we owe the French people who were victims a debt of truth and recognition.

Speech during the commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi May 27, 2021 — Stating France's responsibility during a key commemorative speech.

We have a role, a history, and a connection with Rwanda. I tell you today that we will not stop until the truth is fully established and recognized, which is also a way of honoring the memory of the victims.

Speech during the commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi May 27, 2021 — Vowing continued pursuit of truth regarding the genocide.

Related Positions

  • Colonial Legacy Memory Macron has also engaged in high-profile efforts to re-examine and acknowledge France's role in the Algerian War, indicating a broader pattern in his foreign policy toward former colonies.
  • French Foreign Policy in Africa His approach to Rwanda is part of a wider reassessment of French military and political influence across the African continent, often termed 'de-Francafrique'.

Criticism

Critics/Rwandan Officials

Some critics and Rwandan officials have argued that Macron's 2021 statement, while a step forward, did not go far enough, stopping short of officially using the term 'complicity' in the context of the genocide.

Opponents of reconciliation

Some elements within the French political establishment have historically resisted any official admission of French involvement or responsibility regarding the 1994 genocide.