France's president Emmanuel Macron was responsible for stationing troops at the time for not listening to the genocide that killed 800,000 people in Rwanda, eastern Africa, while being warned of a possible genocide. I admitted.
It is hoped that the relationship between the two countries, which has been chilling for many years, will improve over this issue.
In the genocide in 1994, 27 years ago in Rwanda, the majority Hutu militia slaughtered the minority Tutsi and more than 800,000 people in three months. Was sacrificed.
At that time, France had a close relationship with the Futu-centered government, such as stationing troops, and a committee of experts who conducted an investigation at the request of President Macron said in March that France did not participate in the massacre. We have put together a report that concludes that we have a heavy responsibility.
In response, President Emmanuel Macron addressed the genocide memorial in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, on the 27th, pointing out that France had not heard at that time, being warned in advance that a genocide could occur. Did.
"We took overwhelmingly heavy responsibility in the process of developing into the worst. We acknowledge our responsibility with humility and respect," he said. "Only those who survived this darkness. We may be able to forgive us. "
Although he did not go into a clear apology, he effectively begged the survivors of the slaughter for forgiveness.
For many years, the two countries have repeatedly blamed each other for their involvement in the slaughter, and the relationship has cooled, but at a joint press conference, President Kagame of Rwanda said, "President Macron's words are more valuable than an apology. ", And expressed his desire to improve the relationship.