The truth about the Rwandan genocide

Today a solemn ceremony takes place in Rwanda’s capital. President Paul Kagame, flanked by international dignitaries – including our own development secretary Andrew Mitchell – will light a flame of remembrance at Kigali’s genocide memorial, where the bones of more than 250,000 people are interred.

‘Kwibuka’ (‘Remember’ in Kinyarwanda) – this act of commemoration – happens every April. But this time it’s special. It has now been 30 years since the genocide, and is thus an opportunity to assess the tenure of one of Africa’s most controversial leaders. Cue a flood of pre-prepared broadcasts, articles and declarations from journalists, politicians and institutions.

Many will contain a reference to the genocide memorial. Rightly so. The brainchild of James and Stephen Smith – two brothers from the north of England who set up the Aegis Trust, a British charity dedicated to preventing genocide – it’s a remarkable site.