The Paris Administrative Court began an unprecedented hearing on Thursday to address accusations against France for alleged “complicity” in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, which targeted minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Survivor organizations are pushing for an investigation into France’s actions, citing a defense agreement, illegal arms supplies, and the abandonment of civilians as evidence of tacit support.
The survivor groups are demanding $540 million in reparations from France, which has faced repeated accusations of backing the Rwandan government during the 100-day massacre perpetrated by Hutu extremists.
Over a million people lost their lives, and the violence only subsided after the Tutsi-led Rwanda Patriotic Front, led by current President Paul Kagame, forced the Hutu army and civilians into exile.
Despite previous unsuccessful criminal proceedings, this is the first administrative case addressing France’s role, though French officials maintain the court lacks jurisdiction.
President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that France and its allies may have had the power to halt the genocide but lacked the will to do so. The court’s decision is expected on November 14.