Rwanda Welcomes France’s Move To Commemorate Genocide

Rwanda has welcomed news that the Government of France has named April 7 as a day to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Plans for the annual event include a ceremony to be held in the capital.

The move is in line with a 2003 UN General Assembly resolution naming April 7 as an International Day of Reflection on the Genocide. 

Speaking on the decision, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) Jean Damascene Bizimana stated, "It is a good decision that we commend and we thank all who played a role in making this happen, including Ibuka-France and others."

"This is a decision that abides by what was requested by the United Nations that the date of April 7 be observed as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi." he added.

Last month French President Emmanuel Macron appointed a team of researchers to examine the archives of France’s role in the country during the Genocide.