Time to reconcile our memories- President Macron says as he visits Rwanda

By Jean d’Amour Mbonyinshuti

French President Emmanuel Macron said that only survivors and victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi can tell the pain and the ordeal they went through adding that time has come to reconcile memories to recognize the past, bow to the victims, and listen to the pain of survivors.

“The time has come to reconcile our memories to recognize the past and bow to the victims and listen to the pain of the survivors. It is France’s honor to face its history. It is up to us to build the future of these children,” said Emmanuel Macron, the French president.

Macron who is visiting Rwanda today, Thursday was speaking at the Kigali Genocide Memorial where over 250,000 victims of 1994 Genocide are buried.

While at the memorial, President Macron was guided through the Kigali Genocide Memorial where he was briefed about the causes, reality and consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi as well as the incredible stories of post-genocide reconstruction.

The visit is live broadcast at France 24 TV and on Rwanda television.

“France has a role, historical and political responsibility in Rwanda. And she had a duty to face history and recognizes the amount of suffering it inflicted on Rwandan people,” Macron said.

“On this path, only those who have been through the night can perhaps forgive, give us the gift of forgiving ourselves,” he added.

France is accused of having played a role in 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi be it in its preparation and execution.