Charles Onana, a French-Cameroonian author, is currently in court in Paris, accused of disputing the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. In his 2019 book, Onana calls the suggestion that the Rwandan government at the time orchestrated a genocide a “deception.”
Onana, who is accused alongside his publisher, is keen to point out that his book does not deny that a genocide took place or that Tutsis were targeted.
Under French law, it is considered a crime to contest or “minimize” a genocide officially recognized by France.
The case was brought to court by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Rwandan Community of France (CRF) and the Human Rights League (LDH). The plaintiffs argue that Onana’s book is revisionist and seeks to minimize a crime against humanity.
This is not the first time that Onana’s work on the Rwandan genocide has sparked controversy. His 2002 book, “Secrets of the Rwandan Genocide,” angered Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Onana’s co-author, a Rwandan national, was sentenced to life in prison in Kigali for the book.
Approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This dark period in history continues to spark debate and controversy, highlighting the need to respectfully and accurately address the tragic events that took place. The role of the media, authors, and publishers in representing history and collective memory remains essential to understanding and preserving historical truth.