Succeeding Antoine Anfré, who served in Kigali for four years, Ambassador Aurélie Royet-Gouin arrives with extensive experience on the African continent, having previously worked in Kenya (2000â€"2003) and Senegal (2006â€"2009).
Speaking to IGIHE in an exclusive interview, Royet-Gouin admitted that before her appointment, her knowledge of Rwanda was limited to general impressions.
'I had heard a lot about Rwanda, but had never set foot here,' she said. 'Before coming, I met with many people in Paris, from ministries, institutions, and organisations connected to Rwanda, to understand the country better and prepare for the mission.'
Her first impressions were striking. Upon arriving in Rwanda, she said what struck her most was the country's uniqueness, describing it as 'a very distinctive blend' unlike any other she had experienced.
'Every country has its own identity, but here there's something truly special: the hills, the orderliness, the civility. People are determined, respectful, and remarkably calm,' she added, noting that the atmosphere of safety and courtesy makes life welcoming for a newcomer.
Between history and healing
Royet-Gouin takes office at a delicate but hopeful moment in the relationship between France and Rwanda, still shaped by the legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She acknowledges that both sides have had to take difficult steps to rebuild trust.
'Our reconciliation, which culminated in 2021, required introspection from France and great generosity from Rwanda,' she said. 'We have reset relations and now focus on mutual trust and cooperation.'
Central to France's engagement, she said, are memory and justice. France has committed to preserving and teaching the history of Rwanda and the Genocide against the Tutsi through research, memorialisation, and education.
'That includes concrete projects: historical research, the creation of a memorial soon to be inaugurated in Paris, and educational programs in French schools to ensure that students understand and remember,' she said.
But the reconciliation narrative also carries a legal dimension. Over the past decade, France has faced mounting pressure to act against genocide fugitives living on its soil, and recent years have seen significant judicial progress.
Laurent Bucyibaruta, the former governor of Gikongoro, was sentenced in Paris in 2022 to 20 years for complicity in genocide, while Philippe Hategekimana, a former Rwandan gendarme who had obtained French nationality, was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Another case, that of Sosthène Munyemana, a former doctor accused of involvement in killings in Butare, has been on trial since late 2023.
Félicien Kabuga, long considered the 'financier' of the genocide, was arrested in 2020 near Paris after 26 years on the run and extradited to The Hague. Though declared unfit to stand trial due to dementia, his arrest remains a significant moment.
'France is firmly committed to fighting impunity,' Royet-Gouin said, emphasising close cooperation between France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office and Rwanda's Office of the Prosecutor General.
Development beyond diplomacy
Beyond the courtroom and symbolic reconciliation, France's relationship with Rwanda has become increasingly developmental. The French Development Agency (AFD) has invested heavily in Rwanda since the 2021 relaunch of cooperation.
France pledged €500 million in 2021 and an additional €400 million in 2024 to finance joint projects. These include the rehabilitation of Ruhengeri Hospital, vocational training programs, and youth employment initiatives.
'Health, education, and inclusion through sport are key areas,' Royet-Gouin explained. 'We also work on climate resilience, a universal challenge where France and Rwanda share a strong sense of responsibility.'
While large-scale projects dominate the headlines, the ambassador insists that cultural and linguistic collaboration remains crucial. 'We continue to promote the French language by training teachers, accrediting bilingual schools, and improving language quality across disciplines,' she said.
Humanitarian diplomacy and regional engagement
Asked about her recent participation in the October 30 humanitarian conference in Paris, co-hosted by France and Togo under the auspices of the African Union, Royet-Gouin described it as a show of solidarity rather than a negotiation platform.
'It was a pledging conference meant to support the peace processes underway, the Rwandaâ€"DRC talks in Washington and the inter-Congolese dialogue in Doha,' she said.
France's position, she explained, was to 'demonstrate that the international community has not forgotten the conflict, the displaced, or the victims.'
The meeting raised €1.5 billion in humanitarian pledges for recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Great Lakes region.
Women, the Francophonie, and feminist diplomacy
The ambassador also previewed the upcoming Francophonie Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kigali, describing it as both symbolic and strategic.
'We are delighted it's happening in Rwanda, a very active member of the Francophonie under Louise Mushikiwabo's leadership,' she said.
The summit's theme, '30 years after the Beijing Conference: the contribution of women in the Francophone space,' reflects France's focus on feminist diplomacy. Royet-Gouin said the discussions align with ongoing efforts to promote women's rights, inclusion, and equal participation in peace and security processes, noting the continued relevance of commitments made at the Beijing Conference.
'La Francophonie is not just about language or culture, it's also an economic and values-based community,' she said, pointing out that by 2050, French speakers will number around 700 million, making it the world's fifth most spoken language.
Listening, learning, and walking Rwanda's hills
Despite the dense diplomatic agenda, Ambassador Royet-Gouin said her approach begins with humility and observation. 'The wise person is first an ear that listens,' she said, quoting an adage she has adopted as her motto.
She plans to spend her early months meeting people from different walks of life and understanding Rwanda beyond official meetings and reports.
'My job is not only to represent France, but also to understand and convey what we observe and feel,' she said.
'I brought my walking shoes. I fully intend to explore this beautiful country as much as possible," she added.
Watch the full interview below.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
