Rwandan President Paul Kagame criticized the international community for its failure to prevent the 1994 genocide, during a commemoration event marking 30 years since the atrocities.
Addressing a somber gathering in Kigali, Kagame lamented the loss of 800,000 lives, mainly Tutsis, and blamed global inaction for the tragedy. Among those present were several African leaders and former US President Bill Clinton, who had termed the genocide as a significant failure of his administration.
The day’s events began with Kagame laying wreaths at mass graves and lighting a remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where over 250,000 victims are buried. Rwandans are observing a week of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and restrictions on public entertainment and sports broadcasts.
French President Emmanuel Macron released a video message acknowledging France’s role in the genocide but stopped short of issuing an official apology. Macron reiterated his earlier remarks from May 2021, admitting France’s failure to intervene in the face of looming massacres.
The genocide, triggered by the assassination of Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana, saw brutal killings fueled by anti-Tutsi propaganda. Despite Rwanda’s efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, many suspects remain at large, including in neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Rwanda has established community tribunals for victims to confront their persecutors, although this system has faced criticism for potential miscarriages of justice. The country’s education curriculum includes teachings about the genocide, and Rwandan ID cards no longer indicate ethnic affiliation in an effort to promote unity.
