France's central bank faces genocide complicity complaint over Rwanda

The Bank of France faces a serious legal complaint alleging its role in facilitating financial transactions that may have supported the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Filed in a Paris court on December 4, the document accuses France's central bank of complicity in genocide and crimes against humanity, according to reports by Libération and Radio France.

Details of the alleged transactions

The complaint, submitted by lawyers for survivors and the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), focuses on seven specific transfers. These transactions, totaling 3.17 million French francs, were made from a Rwandan central bank account held in Paris between May and August 1994. Investigative researchers contend the funds were likely used to purchase communication gear and weapons, despite a United Nations arms embargo being in effect since May 17 of that year. International expert Kathi Lynn Austin stated that "precise instructions" were given to banks to enable these transfers, adding, "when the French central bank facilitated these transactions, it should have recognized the red flags associated with them."

Historical context and ongoing judicial delays

The allegations span the early 1990s, a period of escalating ethnic violence preceding the genocide that claimed over 800,000 lives. The plaintiffs argue the Bank of France failed to implement necessary safeguards or halt financial flows despite growing international warnings. Lawyer Joseph Breham criticized the "extreme slowness" of French justice regarding genocide cases, noting a similar 2017 complaint against BNP Paribas has seen little progress. This case adds to a complex history of France's relationship with the former Rwandan government, a topic of enduring international scrutiny and diplomatic tension.

The bank's response and document retention

In its initial response, the Bank of France stated it has no archival record of the disputed transfers, explaining that such transaction documents are routinely destroyed after a decade. The institution also suggested the mentioned amounts "could be consistent with operational expenses." The development underscores the challenges of prosecuting alleged financial complicity in historical atrocities, particularly as nations like Türkiye and others globally emphasize accountability and the prevention of genocide.