He delivered the message on June 2, 2026, during the official inauguration of the Les Archives memorial dedicated to the Genocide against the Tutsi, located along the banks of the Seine River in Paris.
The ceremony was attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, senior officials from both the Rwandan and French governments, OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, and genocide survivors.
President Macron stressed that at a time when some people seek to distort historical facts, greater efforts must be made to preserve the truth, amplify the voices of survivors, and support the work of historians.
He noted that France’s justice system has continued to pursue accountability for individuals accused of participating in the genocide.
“In recent years, French justice has continued its essential work. Trials have taken place, and other investigations are ongoing,” Macron said.
The French president emphasized that no one is above the law and that those who believed they could escape justice by settling in France were mistaken.
“No one is above the law. Those who thought they had found a permanent refuge in our country have received their answer from French justice. Crimes against humanity do not expire and will not go unpunished. I repeat: justice will be done.”
Macron highlighted France’s efforts to prosecute genocide suspects, including Eugène Rwamucyo, Sosthène Munyemana, Philippe Hategekimana, and Claude Muhayimana. He also pledged that France would continue combating genocide ideology.
The president pointed to the role of hate media during the genocide, particularly Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), which was used to spread ethnic hatred and incitement to violence. Broadcasters associated with RTLM included Kantano Habimana and Valérie Bemeriki.
Macron warned that, 32 years after the genocide, modern technologies and media platforms can still be exploited to spread propaganda and hatred.
“How can we not be alarmed by the power of propaganda spreading through technology? On our screens today, there are other versions of RTLM. We must remain vigilant and fight ideologies based on ethnic hatred and racism wherever they emerge.”
France has enacted laws criminalizing genocide denial and minimization. One of the most notable recent cases involved Charles Onana, who was convicted for publishing material denying that the Genocide against the Tutsi had been planned.
