Rwanda welcomes new report blaming France for ‘neglect’ in 1994 genocide

The BBC reports that Rwanda has welcomed a recent report indicting France for neglect during the 1994 genocide that cost several lives.


In the report, Rwandan officials are quoted as saying, “[It] represents an important step towards a common understanding of France’s role in the genocide against the Tutsi”.


According to the said report by French historians, no evidence of complicity by France was found, but the country has “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over the 1994 Rwanda genocide.


The expert commission presenting the report to French President, Emmanuel Macron, the BBC reports, noted that his country was “blind” to the buildup of the genocide that took some 800,000 lives.


Former French president, Francois Mitterand too was not let off the hook, the report is said to have faulted him for a failed policy towards the East African state.


The 15-man Vincent Duclert-led body that produced the report it should be recalled was set up two years back. To facilitate its work, it was also given access to several intelligence archives.


The Rwandan government, according to the BBC, has also promised to release its own report soon.

Cover image: DW