As this very topical publication is from now on accessible in Paperback, archives and news are also available online.
See : Further progress on the difficult road towards truth and justice is required…
T
his website assembles the rich collection of annexes that are referenced in André Guichaoua’s book,
Rwanda, de la guerre au génocide (“Rwanda, from War to Genocide”). From now on available in English (From War to Genocide. Criminal Politics in Rwanda (1990-1994))1.
It provides the reader with complementary information that cannot be summarized in a few words or sentences. The objective goes far beyond a mere reference to documents, however. It responds to three imperatives.
The first is to enable the reader to accede directly to information or to documents that are often difficult to obtain or, in some cases, not yet publicly released. For certain matters where rumor and propaganda have too often served as arguments, the challenge to support or “prove” one’s analysis with verifiable references is now compelling. The 134 annexes gather together official texts, personal documents from leading protagonists of the events (agendas, correspondence, notes…), or sworn trial testimony and depositions given in various legal proceedings.
The second concern is even more crucial. This site constitutes a “second stage” that actually places the reader at the center of the debate. The reader can thus, for example, take note of the legal and factual findings of the judges of the ICTR, as well as the main arguments that were advanced at trial by the Prosecution and the Defense, and then weigh the issues for himself. Whenever possible, an attempt was made to provide original materials and “live exchanges” in a manner that is more accessible than the official pronouncements.
The third imperative is at the very core of this research project. This site is intended to appeal to and call upon all those who, for many years now, have kept silent for diverse reasons ; a silence perhaps defiant of the perceived monopolization of expression and contemptuous of the politics of “confession” and institutionalized false testimony. While there seems to be a consolidation of will between the international community and Rwandan authorities to turn the page and to promote an official history of this recent period, it remains incumbent upon us, fifteen years after the tragedy, to return to certain already forgotten matters or matters not yet fully explored.
Many people have documents or materials at their disposal of major importance for purposes of understanding what happened and for getting closer to the truth. Their testimony and their contributions are essential. Many still believe that the time to talk has not yet come because of the passions that still prevail. But this reasoning can be challenged : it is the same grey zones of ignorance and lies that nourish and embolden propaganda.
André Guichaoua
1 With the support of The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA) – The Open Society Foundations