Macron opens Paris monument honouring victims of the Rwanda genocide
French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a Paris monument honouring victims of the Rwanda genocide. According to Al Jazeera, Macron acknowledged France's 'responsibility' during the genocide and described the memorial as a reconciliation 'milestone'.
Al JazeeraFrench President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a Paris monument honouring victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. According to Al Jazeera, Macron again acknowledged France's 'responsibility' during the period in his opening remarks and described the memorial as a reconciliation 'milestone' between the two countries. The memorial takes the form of a garden representing the more than 800,000 people killed.
Macron's remarks are read as a significant step in the gradual normalisation of relations between Paris and Kigali in recent years. In 2021 Macron acknowledged France's 'overwhelming responsibilities' citing the report of a French commission led by historian Vincent Duclert. Officials said joint diplomatic contacts in Kigali this year were 'progressing on a constructive track'.
A Rwandan government source speaking to Al Jazeera described the monument's opening as a 'historic step of solace'. Civil-society groups stressed that the history of the genocide should be more fully integrated into education curricula. Cooperation between the two countries is expected to expand in coming months across development, climate and security agendas.
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