Survivors of the Bisesero massacres in Rwanda in 1994, together with the associations Survie, FIDH and LDH, have recently announced their intention to appeal the case in cassation in the context of the investigation into the tragic events that occurred in Bisesero. This decision follows the confirmation of the dismissal of charges issued last December by the Paris Court of Appeal, concerning the inaction attributed to the French army during those dark days of June 1994.
This legal issue raises crucial questions about the responsibility and involvement of France in the events in Bisesero. The civil parties strongly contest the conclusions of the Court of Appeal, arguing that the law was not correctly applied in this case. They question the fact that additional investigations were not deemed necessary, despite the recommendations of the Duclair report calling for an in-depth analysis of the chain of command up to the highest level of the State.
One of the main criticisms expressed concerns the interpretation of intentionality by the Court of Appeal. The civil parties claim that proof of active involvement in a genocide is not necessary, but rather the demonstration that the abstention of the French army facilitated the atrocities committed in Bisesero. This legal distinction is at the heart of the debate and underlines the importance of clarifying responsibilities in this tragic context.
The accusation of complicity in genocide brought against Operation “Turquoise” and France attests to the seriousness of the facts alleged. The abandonment of the Tutsi civilians who had taken refuge in Bisesero is said to have contributed to the tragedy that took place from 27 to 30 June 1994, leading to the massacre of hundreds of them by the Hutu genocidaires. These events recall the brutality and horror of the Rwandan genocide, during which more than 800,000 people lost their lives in a few months.
The quest for justice and truth for the victims of Bisesero underlines the importance of prosecuting those responsible and ensuring accountability for these atrocities. Survivors and associations engaged in this struggle highlight the urgency of acknowledging the mistakes of the past and learning lessons for the future. By filing this appeal in cassation, they affirm their determination to obtain justice and reparation, while respecting the memory of the victims and the duty of truth and justice.
The Bisesero case represents an emblematic case of the complexity of the issues related to mass crimes and the responsibility of international actors. The questions raised by this case resonate beyond the borders of Rwanda, highlighting the challenges of international justice and the fight against impunityBy continuing their fight for recognition of the facts of Bisesero, the civil parties and survivors offer a poignant testimony of courage and determination in the face of adversity, recalling that no atrocity must go unpunished.