President Paul Kagame is expected in Paris, France, on June 2, where he will join French President Emmanuel Macron for the official inauguration of a new memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event marks an important moment in the relationship between Rwanda and France and highlights ongoing efforts to preserve the memory of one of the darkest periods in Rwanda’s history.
The memorial, named “L’Archive”, has been built at Esplanade Habib-Bourguiba along the banks of the Seine River in Paris, near Quai d’Orsay. It was developed through cooperation between the French government and the City of Paris as part of efforts to strengthen remembrance and reconciliation.
A Memorial Designed to Preserve Memory
The monument was created by Portuguese artist Grada Kilomba, who is based in Berlin, Germany. It features two large black bronze columns standing on black and white volcanic stones.
According to the project organizers, the memorial is intended to serve as a permanent archive of voices, memories, testimonies, and hopes connected to the victims and survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The memorial carries messages written in four languages: French, English, Kinyarwanda, and Swahili. These inscriptions are meant to ensure that future generations can learn about the tragedy and understand the importance of preventing such crimes from happening again.
Honoring More Than One Million Victims
The memorial is dedicated to the memory of more than one million Tutsi who were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi between April and July 1994.
Organizers say the site will become a permanent place of remembrance in France, allowing people from different backgrounds to reflect on the consequences of hatred, division, and violence.
The inauguration ceremony is expected to include speeches from President Kagame and President Macron, as well as officials from the City of Paris and survivors of the genocide.
Survivors and Artists to Take Part
Among those scheduled to speak is Jeanne Uwimbabazi, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Her testimony is expected to highlight the importance of remembrance and the responsibility of future generations to protect historical truth.
Rwandan-French author and musician Gaël Faye will also participate in the event. He is expected to read a poem written by Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse, a Rwandan-French writer and survivor of the genocide.
Their participation will add a personal and emotional dimension to the ceremony, reminding attendees that behind every historical event are real human stories.
A New Chapter in Rwanda-France Relations
Following the inauguration, President Kagame and his delegation are expected to meet President Macron at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President.
The opening of the memorial is seen as another important step in the improving relationship between Rwanda and France.
Relations between the two countries have significantly improved in recent years, especially after President Macron’s visit to Kigali in 2021. During that visit, Macron acknowledged France’s responsibilities regarding the historical events surrounding the Genocide against the Tutsi, a statement that was widely viewed as a milestone in reconciliation efforts.
Importance for Kwibuka 32
In Rwanda, the opening of the memorial is being viewed as a significant event during Kwibuka 32, the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The memorial will not only honor those who lost their lives but will also help educate future generations about the dangers of genocide, discrimination, and hate speech.
As Rwanda continues its journey of remembrance and rebuilding, the new memorial in Paris stands as a symbol of memory, dignity, and international commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten and never repeated.
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