The ceremony brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, researchers, survivors, and friends of Rwanda in a moment of remembrance and reflection.

Speaking during the inauguration, President Kagame commended President Macron for what he described as courage and humanity in confronting France’s historical role during the genocide.

“Confronting historical responsibilities requires real courage, because it generates fierce opposition by those with a case to answer,” President Kagame said. “You acknowledged that France could have stopped the genocide, but did not.”

Kagame added that Macron’s recognition of France’s responsibility represented something “more valuable than an apology: namely, the truth.”

The Rwandan Head of State also acknowledged former French President Nicolas Sarkozy for opening the path toward honest dialogue between the two countries regarding France’s historical role.

President Kagame noted that the Genocide against the Tutsi had been foreseeable and that France was in a unique position to observe events and intervene, but failed to act in time.

“It took too long for France to come to terms with its role, causing additional pain,” Kagame stated, while also recognizing that many other countries similarly failed Rwanda during the genocide.

However, he emphasized that France had gone further than many nations in acknowledging its role and working to establish historical truth.

President Kagame also highlighted that some survivors and advocates still remain dissatisfied with parts of the official historical record, but said the process initiated between Rwanda and France has created an irreversible path toward truth and understanding.

Referring to the newly unveiled memorial, Kagame said the monument carries powerful symbolism because it preserves truth and memory for future generations.

“The memorial before us is powerful, because it sets the truth in stone and protects it from the heartlessness of time, by instructing the living,” he said.

He added that the memorial stands as a mark of respect for the dignity of Rwandans and the country’s history.

The inauguration of the monument marks another significant step in the evolving relationship between Rwanda and France, as both countries continue efforts toward historical reconciliation, remembrance, and strengthened bilateral cooperation.