On 20 October, 2025, General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the French Army, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Accompanied by his delegation, General Schill toured the memorial’s exhibits that trace the causes, reality, and consequences of the Genocide, as well as Rwanda’s remarkable journey of rebuilding, reconciliation, and resilience over the past three decades. The visit provided a moment of reflection on the enduring importance of remembrance and the shared responsibility to foster peace and humanity.

Following the visit, General Schill wrote a moving message in the Memorial’s guestbook. The English translation of his message, originally written in French, reads:

“In this place of memory, I pay tribute to the victims of the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi. The force of remembrance and the dignity of this place call for reflection, humanity, and remembrance. The French Army joins in this tribute, aware of the importance of the work of memory accomplished between our two nations, which allows us today to build, with our Rwandan partners, a relationship founded on renewed mutual trust.

May our armies together maintain a brotherhood of arms that guides our shared commitments.”

— General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff, the Army of France

General Schill’s visit reflects the ongoing efforts between Rwanda and France to strengthen mutual understanding through remembrance and dialogue. It underscores the vital role of historical reflection in building partnerships rooted in trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace.

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