The French City of Cluny, over the weekend, unveiled the first ever Genocide memorial site in the country, in memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, Jacques Kabale, officiated at the ceremony to unveil the plaque and plant a tree in memory of the victims.

The City of Cluny strikes a resemblance with Rwanda due to its geographical status, historical and cultural background, and is often referred to as "a city which has the image and likeness of Rwanda”.

Many Jews were deported and exterminated in the city during the Second World War.

The 17th commemoration of the Genocide, was marked by speeches from the Mayor of Cluny as well as the president of Ibuka-France chapter, who led a discussion panel on the process of ethnic discrimination, which led Rwanda to Genocide.

France remains a safe haven for Genocide suspects and the French government has expressed its willingness to pursue and try any suspects on its soil.

The Rwandan Embassy in France issued a statement thanking the Mayor and City Council of Cluny, and announced plans to put up memorials in other cities.

Ends