France’s Macron visits Rwanda to reset relations

France’s President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Rwanda for an official two-day state visit, marking the first visit by a French President since 2010. The visit comes after a series of meetings between the two leaders in Paris last week and signifies a positive development in the often rocky relationship between the two countries since the 1994 genocide. Analyst and commentator Albert Rudatsimburwa shed light on the significance of this visit, emphasizing that it not only impacts the bilateral relations between France and Rwanda but also carries implications for France's domestic audience. Rudatsimburwa highlighted the progress made in the relationship between France and Rwanda since 2017 and 2018, such as the appointment of Rwanda's former Minister for Foreign Affairs to head the French organization for Franco-Font countries and the financial support extended by the French development agency to Rwanda. He also pointed out President Macron's gesture of delivering 120,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Rwanda during his visit as a crucial step in repairing relations. Furthermore, the visit aims to address historical wounds and move past the animosity that has lingered between the two nations for decades. Rudatsimburwa referenced France's role in harboring genocide suspects and its support for the regional FDLR rebel group as contentious issues that have strained relations. The recent capture of Félicien Kabuga, a key figure in the genocide, after 27 years on the run in France underscores the complexity of the relationship. Looking ahead to the two-day official visit, Rudatsimburwa indicated that it symbolizes France's willingness to engage with Rwanda and potentially delve deeper into investigating France's actions during the genocide. He noted that President Macron's efforts surpass those of his predecessor, Sarkozy, in opening up dialogue and setting the stage for a more constructive relationship. In addition to diplomatic gestures, the economic dimension of the relationship between France and Rwanda is vital. France's need to reshape its economic ties with African countries, including its former colonies, reflects its dependency on these markets for exports. Rwanda's strategic position in initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity for France to tap into regional trade networks. However, Rudatsimburwa cautioned that security concerns in the region, particularly the threat of terrorism spanning from Malawi to Nigeria, take precedence over economic considerations. While economic partnerships will undoubtedly follow suit, addressing security challenges is paramount for stability and development in the region. In conclusion, Macron's visit to Rwanda signifies a step towards reconciliation and deeper engagement between the two nations. By acknowledging historical grievances, exploring economic opportunities, and prioritizing security cooperation, France and Rwanda are poised to reshape their relationship and move towards a more mutually beneficial and productive partnership.