Kagame and Macron Inaugurate Genocide Memorial as Rwanda and France Declare New Chapter Despite Remaining Historical Disagreements

President Paul Kagame stated that Rwanda and France are entering a new phase of relations marked by renewed trust and expanding cooperation across key sectors. Kagame made the remarks on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at a dinner at the Élysée Palace. First Lady Jeannette Kagame attended the dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.

The dinner followed the inauguration of "L'Archive," the first permanent Genocide against the Tutsi memorial in France. The memorial is located in the Quai d'Orsay district of Paris along the Seine River. "This has been a day of great meaning and promise.

Rwanda appreciates the steps you have taken. We have chosen to look forward, and write a new chapter together, and that choice is already bearing fruit," Kagame said. Kagame stated that the normalisation of relations between Kigali and Paris is anchored in mutual ambition and in rebuilding trust.

"Today, France is an important partner for Rwanda, in investment, technology, climate, and many other common priorities. Rwanda looks forward to working with France to deepen our collaboration, and expand the possibilities between our two countries," he said.

In 2021, a French commission of historians concluded that France bore "serious and overwhelming responsibilities" in the events that preceded the genocide.

During a visit to Kigali in 2021, President Macron acknowledged France's responsibilities in the tragedy. Kagame said the memorial is a "powerful" symbol in the journey towards truth. "It is not a validation, because none is needed.

But it will stand as a mark of respect for the dignity of Rwandans and our history," he said. Kagame thanked Macron and former President Nicolas Sarkozy for taking steps toward acknowledging France's responsibility in what happened in Rwanda. He noted that some disagreements remain regarding the historical record.

"I believe that our common work has initiated a journey towards truth which is irreversible," Kagame said. AllAfrica reported the statements from the New Times article published on June 3, 2026.