After a lengthy freeze of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and France, the two nations have decided to turn over a new leaf and put the past behind them. 

For the past two months, we have witnessed a dramatic turn-round and the speed at which events have unfolded serves to demonstrate the level of commitment from both countries to move forward.

The determination to move on cannot be more emphasised than the announcement by visiting French Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner that his boss, President Nicolas Sarkozy, plans to visit to Rwanda next month.

The world will be watching anxiously for that moment as Kagame and Sarkozy exchange pleasantries for the first time, on the door steps of Urugwiro Village.

But above all, it will be a resounding victory for diplomacy and a historic moment, marking the beginning of mutual, sincere and respectful relations between the two nations, something that evidently lacked in the past.

There are always ill-intentions individuals or groups wishing the worst for both Paris and Kigali. Such parties keen on diverting the two countries from the course already taken need to understand that times have changed. 

The announcement that Rwanda and France will seriously re-examine their past relations with particular focus on the historical ‘errors’ committed, especially by the latter, is an affirmation of the political will by the two sides to resolve issues, once and for all.

The latest developments characterised by openness and commitment mean that a platform for solving any outstanding differences has been created and that the time for recriminations is over.

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