France could have stopped Rwanda genocide but lacked will to do so —Macron

Macron will also reiterate “the importance of the duty of
remembrance, but also of developing and disseminating reference knowledge, in
particular through the education of younger generations in France”.

Macron will not be attending commemoration of the genocide
on Sunday in Kigali, but will be represented by Stéphane Séjourné, French
foreign minister.

Bill Clinton, former US president, is however expected to
attend.

Relations between France and Rwanda have been on the mend,
following years of tensions over France’s alleged role in the genocide.

France has been accused of failing to do enough to stop the
genocide. French leaders have repeatedly denied their country’s complicity in
the genocide.

During a visit to Rwanda in 2021, Macron recognised France’s
“responsibilities” in the genocide and said only the survivors could grant “the
gift of forgiveness”. He, however, did not offer an apology.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who led the Tutsi rebellion
that ended the genocide, has long emphasised the need for a stronger statement
from France.