Lilian Nyiva
French President Emmanuel Macron and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have jointly inaugurated a memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The unveiling marks a significant moment in the strengthening relationship between France and Rwanda and serves as a tribute to more than one million people who lost their lives during the genocide. The memorial was officially unveiled on June 2 at the Esplanade Habib-Bourguiba along the River Seine in Paris.
A Symbol of Remembrance and Reflection
Known as “L’Archive” (The Archive), the monument was designed by Portuguese artist Grada Kilomba. The memorial features two black steles and was created as a permanent place of remembrance for victims, survivors and future generations.
The inscriptions on the memorial are displayed in several languages, including French, English, Kinyarwanda and Swahili, reflecting the international significance of the tragedy and the commitment to preserving its memory.
Macron Calls for Historical Truth
Speaking during the ceremony, President Macron said the memorial places the memory of the genocide at the heart of Paris and France’s national history.
He noted that the monument represents a commitment to historical truth and remembrance, ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hatred, discrimination and violence.
Kagame Welcomes Continued Recognition
President Kagame joined Macron in laying wreaths at the memorial and paid tribute to genocide victims and survivors.
The Rwandan leader has previously acknowledged France’s efforts to confront its historical role in events surrounding the genocide, describing such actions as important steps toward reconciliation and mutual understanding.
France and Rwanda Strengthen Relations
The inauguration comes amid improved diplomatic relations between the two countries after decades of strained ties linked to France’s actions before and during the 1994 genocide.
Relations began improving significantly following investigations into France’s historical role and Macron’s visit to Kigali in 2021, during which he acknowledged France’s serious responsibilities and failures in relation to the genocide.
Preserving the Memory of the 1994 Genocide
The Genocide against the Tutsi occurred between April and July 1994, claiming more than one million lives in approximately 100 days.Rwanda continues to commemorate the victims through annual Kwibuka remembrance events and maintains numerous memorial sites across the country to educate future generations and honour those who perished.
The Paris memorial is the first permanent monument in the French capital dedicated specifically to victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Its inauguration is expected to strengthen efforts toward remembrance, historical accountability and international solidarity, while reinforcing the growing partnership between France and Rwanda.
