PARIS — Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised French President Emmanuel Macron for what he described as a courageous commitment to historical truth during the inauguration of a new memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial, known as “Les Archives,” was officially unveiled on June 2, 2026, along the banks of the Seine River in Paris during a ceremony attended by senior leaders, genocide survivors, diplomats, and representatives of civil society.
Speaking at the event, Kagame thanked Macron for openly acknowledging France’s failure to intervene during the genocide despite warning signs and the ability to act. He described the French president’s recognition of that responsibility as an important step toward truth and reconciliation, noting that honesty about history carries lasting significance. Kagame also expressed appreciation to French leaders, journalists, historians, and human rights advocates who have contributed over the years to preserving the historical record and promoting greater understanding of the genocide.
The Rwandan leader highlighted Macron’s visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial in 2021, where the French president acknowledged that France had not responded adequately as the genocide unfolded. Kagame said that such recognition demonstrated both determination and humanity and represented a meaningful contribution to the pursuit of historical accountability. He also noted that efforts by successive French leaders to examine France’s actions had helped strengthen dialogue between the two nations.
Kagame commended France for pursuing legal action against individuals accused of participating in the genocide and for taking measures against genocide denial. He emphasized that justice remains essential for survivors and future generations and encouraged continued efforts to hold perpetrators accountable wherever they may be found. He added that Rwanda’s journey over the past three decades has been defined by resilience, national unity, and a commitment to ensuring that the tragedy of 1994 is never repeated.
Addressing the gathering, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to justice and stated that crimes against humanity must never go unpunished. He stressed that France would not serve as a refuge for individuals accused of genocide-related crimes and pledged that efforts to investigate and prosecute suspects would continue. Macron also reiterated his government’s determination to confront genocide denial and all forms of hate-driven extremism.
The French president warned that the spread of hatred and misinformation remains a global challenge, particularly in the digital age. Drawing lessons from the role propaganda played during the genocide, he called for vigilance against messages that promote ethnic division, discrimination, and violence. Macron urged citizens, institutions, and media organizations to work together to counter dangerous ideologies before they can take root and threaten societies.
The unveiling of the memorial marked another milestone in the evolving relationship between Rwanda and France, while also serving as a tribute to the memory of the more than one million victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Leaders at the ceremony emphasized that remembrance, truth, and justice remain essential pillars in the fight against genocide ideology and in building a future founded on human dignity and mutual respect.
