A picture taken on June 27, 1994 shows French soldiers on patrol passing by ethnic Hutu troops from the Rwandan government forces near Gisenyie, about 10kms from the border with Zaire. France played an active role in the 1994 Rwanda genocide, a report unveiled Tuesday by the Rwandan government said, naming French political and military officials it says should be prosecuted. (AFP/File/Pascal Guyot) From The AFP:
KIGALI (AFP) - France played an active role in the 1994 Rwanda genocide, a report unveiled Tuesday by the Rwandan government said, naming French political and military officials it says should be prosecuted.
The indicting report accused a raft of top French politicians of involvement in the massacres, threatening to further mar relations between the two countries, which severed diplomatic ties in November 2006.
"French forces directly assassinated Tutsis and Hutus accused of hiding Tutsis... French forces committed several rapes on Tutsi survivors," said a justice ministry statement released after the report was presented in Kigali.
The 500-page report alleged that France was aware of preparations for the genocide, contributed to planning the massacres and actively took part in the killing.
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More News On France And The Rwanda Genocide
Rwanda accuses France over genocide -- Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Rwanda accuses France of genocide -- Al Jazeera
Rwandan Report Alleges French Role in Genocide -- Voice Of America
Rwanda accuses France directly over '94 genocide -- Reuters
France took part in genocide: Rwandan report -- Sydney Morning Herald
France refuses to comment on Rwanda genocide claims -- Canada.com
My Comment: I first heard about French complicity in the genocide from Romeo Dallaire almost 10 years ago in a speech that he gave at McGill Univerisity in Montreal. Being the U.N. commander on the ground he had a bird's eye view to the genocide, and in particular the French Government's direct involvement.
I am sure that he and many others like him must be happy with justice finally coming around to address this genocide. From what I remember of his speech, the French have a lot to be ashamed of.