Citation
In this exclusive interview, Alain Gauthier, president of the Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR), shares a firsthand account of the ongoing pursuit of justice for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Recorded on January 21, a day before Gauthier returned to France to follow the appeal trial of genocide suspect Claude Muhayimana, this conversation provides an inside look at the challenges, and frustrations of holding genocide perpetrators accountable.
Gauthier discusses trials in France including that of former first lady and Akazu leader Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana while highlighting delays, case dismissals, and procedural hurdles that continue to slow justice. He also addresses France’s historical responsibility, reflecting on the Duclert report’s findings and the long struggle to fully recognize the state’s complicity in the genocide.
The interview also delves into the financial dimensions of accountability, including the groundbreaking case against the central bank of France, Banque de France, for allegedly facilitating arms transfers used during the genocide. He also opens up about the human side of justice—supporting survivors, witnessing trauma, and the personal toll of leading decades-long legal battles. This conversation offers a rare perspective on genocide trials in France, international justice, and the enduring fight for accountability. It’s a vital watch for anyone interested in human rights, international law, transitional justice, and the legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
