Do Rwanda's Relations with France Matter?

Probably. The French government remains very involved in sub-Saharan Africa. Given that Rwanda is unofficially a francophone country (it's officially Anglophone and people increasingly speak English, but many still speak French) it makes sense for producers there to try to expand trade with French consumers. Better relations may facilitate some of this.

Whether a recent visit by President Sarkozy accomplished this goal, or simply sets in motion a process that might lead to a more cordial relationship, remains to be seen. Here's another take on the trip.

Surely there are benefits for both sides from closer relations. For the Rwandans: the potential of increased official support and improved/expanded trade linkages; for the French: perhaps more influence in a volatile region, the possibility of access to some resources, as well as access to a growing economy filled with talented workers (not to mention the terrific coffee!).

But it may be the French government's careful admission that they -- along with the international community in general -- were "at fault" during the genocide that's most important -- a symbolic gesture for a people who continue to deal with the pain of the genocide.

- Karol