Recent news highlights an unprecedented case in the field of administrative justice in France. Indeed, an appeal on the responsibility of the French authorities in the genocide in Rwanda was filed before the Paris administrative court. This is the first time that such accusations have been brought before this body, and it marks an important turning point in the search for justice for the victims.
This appeal was initiated by victims of the genocide and two associations which support them. They aim to highlight the actions of the French state before, during and after the genocide of the Tutsis, which caused the death of nearly 800,000 people. The civil parties argue that the French State committed errors of judgment and serious errors of service, by not denouncing the military assistance agreement with the Hutu power which had become genocidal.
More precisely, the Bisesero massacre affair is mentioned to illustrate these supposed failings. The civil parties believe that the French intervention in Rwanda was influenced by an erroneous reading of the situation, considering the genocide as a conflict between Rwanda and Uganda, rather than recognizing its true nature. This error of judgment would have led to repeated and systematic service errors, thus facilitating the Bisesero massacre.
Philippe Raphaël, the representative of the applicants, declares that the Bisesero massacre is a reflection of the entire French intervention in Rwanda. He emphasizes that the French general staff downplayed the importance of the genocide, considering it secondary to regional political issues. This serious error had dramatic consequences and contributed to the service errors committed by the French State.
The administrative court will therefore examine this appeal and will have to rule on the responsibility of the French State in the genocide in Rwanda. The civil parties hope that this body will demonstrate diligence and that it will render a fair and equitable decision. They do not exclude the possibility of appealing to the Council of State if necessary.
This case highlights the importance of seeking justice for victims of the genocide in Rwanda. It also underlines the need to shed light on the responsibilities of international actors in such crimes. While awaiting the results of this appeal, it is essential to remember the horrors of the genocide and to do everything to prevent such tragedies in the future.