The French government has released classified documents related to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, according to reports.
Documents from 1990 to 1994 which include minutes from secret defence meetings and files from advisers to the then French President Francois Mitterrand are part of the documents to be declassified, reports Reuters.
A source in current French President Francois Hollande's entourage told AFP,
France was a staunch ally of the Rwandan government during the time of the massacres, a relationship that was drawn harsh criticism from current Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Mr Kagame accused France of being “an actor” in the genocide, speaking of "the direct role of Belgium and France in the political preparation of the genocide, and the participation of the latter in its actual execution".
Researchers will be able to view the declassified documents after submitting a request to the custodian of Mr Mitterrand's archives.
Documents from 1990 to 1994 which include minutes from secret defence meetings and files from advisers to the then French President Francois Mitterrand are part of the documents to be declassified, reports Reuters.
A source in current French President Francois Hollande's entourage told AFP,
"The president had announced a year ago that France must provide proof of transparency and facilitate remembrance of this period".
France was a staunch ally of the Rwandan government during the time of the massacres, a relationship that was drawn harsh criticism from current Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Mr Kagame accused France of being “an actor” in the genocide, speaking of "the direct role of Belgium and France in the political preparation of the genocide, and the participation of the latter in its actual execution".
Researchers will be able to view the declassified documents after submitting a request to the custodian of Mr Mitterrand's archives.