The inauguration of France’s first permanent memorial for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has been described by analysts as a significant moment for remembrance, justice, and the continued evolution of Rwanda–France relations. The memorial called L’Archive, was unveiled on Tuesday, June 2, by President Paul Kagame and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. Installed on the Esplanade Habib Bourguiba along the Seine River in the Quai d’Orsay district of Paris, the monument consists of two large black brass steles mounted on white and black lava stones. ALSO READ: Kagame: Paris memorial 'a mark of respect for dignity of Rwandans, history' It is designed as an “archive of voices,” representing memories, experiences, and hopes of victims and survivors of a genocide that claimed over one million lives in 100 days. It is intended as a permanent public space of reflection and remembrance for the victims of the Genocide. 'Clearest sign yet' Richard Gisagara, a Rwandan lawyer based in France, said that after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi the European country adopted what he described as a policy of state denial regarding its role in the tragic history that happened during the era of President François Mitterrand. Today, however, we have reached a point where France, a country that supported the government that carried out the Genocide, has agreed to establish a state-recognised memorial to the Genocide, Gisagara said. This is a major step and the clearest sign yet that the French state has moved away from the position once expressed by President Mitterrand. According to Gisagara, European governments often tend to protect the actions of previous administrations, particularly when issues involving African countries are concerned. “The fact that Rwanda succeeded in convincing France that it was possible to acknowledge these realities, and that France has accepted its mistakes and is willing to present them to future generations, is significant.” “This memorial will remain for generations and sends a message not only to Rwanda and France but to the wider world.” ALSO READ: Rwanda, France ‘writing a new chapter’, says Kagame He also noted the significance of the memorial’s location in the Quai d’Orsay district of Paris, home to France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and a major destination for visitors. Gisagara pointed to President Kagame’s remarks during the inauguration, saying they served as a reminder that France still has responsibilities because of its influence within the international community. There are still forces that seek to take us backwards, Gisagara said, commenting on Kagame’s observation that “on some points, consensus is not yet found.” We must remain vigilant so that those who deny France’s role, or oppose efforts to combat genocide ideology, do not reverse the progress that has been made,” the lawyer added. He also noted President Macron’s commitment that France would not serve as a refuge for genocide suspects and would continue efforts to prosecute perpetrators. “Words can be spoken and forgotten, but the monument is something concrete that will serve as a lasting reminder of the commitments France has made,” Gisagara said. Memory and justice are inseparable For Alain Gauthier, co-founder and president of the Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda(CPCR), the installation of the memorial in Paris reflects a new phase in Rwanda–France relations. He stressed that memory and justice remain inseparable, arguing that commemoration must be accompanied by legal accountability. French authorities have committed themselves to ensuring justice for the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi by organising trials before the Paris Criminal Court, Gauthier said. However, without the tireless work of the CPCR, which I have chaired for the past 25 years, it is highly likely that no such trials would have taken place in our country. He added that the memorial serves as a constant reminder of this responsibility, while noting that justice efforts have been slow. ALSO READ: Paris: Genocide survivor recalls ETO Kicukiro ordeal “As Jeanne Uwimbabazi, a survivor of ETO Kicukiro, recalled in her testimony yesterday, it would have been preferable for those suspected of participating in the Genocide to be tried in Rwanda, closer to the victims. Nevertheless, it is essential that justice be done. But time works in favor of the perpetrators.” On reconciliation, Gauthier said it requires truth, justice, and mutual respect between peoples, while acknowledging unresolved historical responsibility. “France has much to atone for regarding the role it played in 1994 and in the years that preceded it.” He noted that President Macron stopped short of acknowledging France's “complicity,” in the Genocide, referencing the findings of the Duclert Commission, which described France’s responsibility as “heavy and overwhelming.” “Macron did not wish to go beyond the conclusions of the Duclert Commission... we would have wished that ‘complicity’ be acknowledged,” he said. He added that further legal avenues remain under consideration, including the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
