Documents related to the 1994 Rwanda Genocide that were termed as classified by the French government will now be declassified in a bid to facilitate reconciliation in Rwanda 21 years on.
The documents that are from the office of the president between 1990 and 1995 are believed to demystify the mystery of the genocide and the controversial role played by France.
The decision comes at a very convenient time; the 21st anniversary of the genocide that claimed the lives of over 800,000 people. The released was signed by Jean-Pierre of the president’s office and former president’s archivist, Dominique Bertinotti.
Sources confirm that it was a move that was aimed at reviving the strained relationship between Rwanda and France and an attempt of transparency in the reconciliation process in the country. Rwandan president, Paul Kagame had accused the French government of collusion especially because it backed the Hutu nationalist government that carried out the killings of Tutsis.
The declassified documents will be available to victim’s groups and researchers. Whether this is a step to reconciliation or opening wounds in the country is still mystifying.
The residents of the most affected areas returned to their homes and have since made peace among each other letting bygones be just that. The reconciliation has taken root and both tribes are working together to improve the quality of their lives.
