IBUKA, an organisation advocating for the interests of Genocide against the Tutsi survivors, has expressed dissatisfaction with the French judiciary’s decision to halt investigations into former French soldiers accused of involvement in the Genocide, saying it would consider appealing to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.
France’s Court of Cassation upheld the closure of the case linked to events in Bisesero, where survivors have long accused French troops deployed under Operation Turquoise of failing to intervene as Tutsi were being killed.
IBUKA President Dr Philbert Gakwenzire said the decision does not satisfy survivors and stressed that the matter may not end with the French judicial process.
“It is clear that this is not a decision that satisfies us, but this does not necessarily end there.”
Gakwenzire said survivors’ testimony and the historical record remain important, even if courts assess cases according to the evidence placed before judges.
“Normally, there is historical truth, and there is also the truth of survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi who were there. What they say does not change the truth or history. But on the other side, there is what a judge can rely on to make a decision, and that is where a problem may arise.”
He said legal experts and lawyers are now considering what other options may remain, including the possibility of taking the matter to a European court.
“Justice has not been achieved because that is what the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi wanted. It has not been achieved through the case that was brought before the French judicial authorities.
Lawyers and others knowledgeable about justice are continuing discussions to determine what else could be done, because justice does not end in that country alone. After consultations, it is also possible that the matter could be taken before a European court.”
The case dates back to complaints filed by survivors and supporting organisations over the conduct of French troops in Bisesero during the genocide.
In 2021, the Duclert Commission of experts released a report examining France’s role in Rwanda during the Genocide against the Tutsi. It found that France failed to take action to stop the genocide despite being aware of what was happening and being in a position to act.
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