Kigali — France is continuously denying what happened in Rwanda and promoting the 'double genocide' ideology. The observation was made by Andrew Wallis, a British journalist and author of 'Silent Accomplice: The Untold Story of France's Role in the Rwandan Genocide', during the launch of Rwanda Center for Strategic Studies (RCSS) at Novotel Hotel in Kacyiru, a Kigali suburb.

Wallis noted that it is a crime for France to keep on denying its role in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. He said the only way France can redeem its esteem and reinforce its relationship with Rwanda is by first accepting its past mistakes and asking for forgiveness, failure of which there will always be an impasse between the two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Charles Murigande, presided over the launch. He noted that RCSS offers an opportunity to share knowledge and how to foster security in the region and the country.

The Rwanda Centre for Strategic Studies was formed on 6th September 2006 at the initiation of African Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS).

The Rwanda Chapter aims at building and maintaining networks and relationships of trust among national, regional and the international community with shared values and a common vision for a stable and peaceful region in particular and the entire continent in general.

Wallis said there is need to establish the real motive behind France's unwavering support for the genocidal regime.

"You should consider the major French operations in Rwanda between 1990-94 Operation Noroit, Amaryllis and Turquoise and some of the questions that remain to be answered as to French motivation behind their support of Habyarimana and the interim government," Wallis said.

While discussing Wallis's presentation, Dr Kagabo, a professor of history in France, said France has continuously defended its position, labelling whoever tries to question France's role in the Rwandan Genocide as anti-France.

It was also noted that the French intervention in Rwanda was first and foremost an attempt by Paris to keep its beloved Francophone intact, noting that France has continued to support dictators and regimes whose murderous policies towards their own people have been well documented.