Did France play a part in the Rwandan Genocide?

 The impact that France had on the Rwandan genocide is complicated, and may never really be known. 

 The Rwandan Genocide happened from April to June of 1994. During this time nearly 800,000 citizens died, many blamed this on the death of president Juvénal Habyarimana. Some also blamed it on tensions between ethnic groups, specifically the Tutis and the Hutus. Foreign influences are now also be investigated.

NY TIMES

Organizers of the attack were said to be soldiers and militias who all mobilized, citizens were also "encouraged" to take part. Many would have been nervous to take part in such an attack, but the New York Times writes that "incentives such as money or food" were offered. In a country with not a lot of financial means, that spurred people to join the fight. 

BBC NEWS

After the genocide, the government collapsed and a ceasefire was declared. Rwanda will be forever impacted by this tumultuous event in its history. 

As previously mentioned, France was said to have had an impact on the Rwandan genocide that is currently developing in the news.  President Emmanuel Macron initially questioning the allegations which culminated in a 992-page report released Friday. Many believed he did this to try to save the diminishing relationship between the countries. The report was relatively inconclusive. Sources outside the country overwhelmingly believe that France was '"blind' to the Rwandan genocide but 'not complicit'" writes France 24. The investigation did mention that France was upset about losing power in the country. Ultimately Macron declines the idea that the country could have been an accomplice, but as previously noted was "blind" to it. 

FRANCE 24

Upon researching the issue, it becomes apparent that what Rwanda is most upset about, is the fact that France has done nothing to acknowledge the wrongs that they may have committed. Although Macron has made attempts to restore the relationship between the countries, more needs to be done. The Rwandan Genocide will never be forgotten, and that's something that France needs to remember and reflect on more. 

Officials in Rwanda believe this report is a step in the right direction but say "this will not settle the issue", as reported by BBC. 

SOURCES: 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13431486

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/26/world/europe/france-rwanda-genocide.html

https://www.vie-publique.fr/rapport/279186-rapport-duclert-la-france-le-rwanda-et-le-genocide-des-tutsi-1990-1994

https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/eye-on-africa/20210326-france-was-blind-to-the-rwandan-genocide-but-not-complicit-says-report