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Last update :
September 16, 2026
September 16, 2026
La présence française risque de tomber dans le piège d'une confrontation militaire avec le FPR
Card Number 36572
Number
36572
Author
Hintermann, Mémona
Author
Billet, Isabelle
Date
4 juillet 1994
Ymd
19940704
Time
23:00:00
Time zone
CEST
Uptitle
Journal de 23 heures
Title
La présence française risque de tomber dans le piège d'une confrontation militaire avec le FPR
Subtitle
Les rebelles ont conquis aujourd'hui Kigali et Butare.
Size
21074 bytes
Pages nb.
2
Source
Public records
Type
Transcription d'une émission de télévision
Language
FR
Abstract
- This may mark a turning point for Operation Turquoise, which was launched with the best possible humanitarian intentions. The French presence now risks falling into the trap of a military confrontation.
- As rebels captured Kigali and Butare, the country's second-largest city, today, France faced a very delicate decision.
Jacques Rosier: "For once, it's clear: we are setting up in Gikongoro and staying put".
- That is the new mission for French soldiers based in southwestern Rwanda: to remain in Gikongoro, 20 kilometers from the front line, and defend a security zone. This zone was created with UN approval to shelter Rwandan refugees of all ethnicities; they are arriving by the thousands every day.
- Admiral Lanxade: "We stated that we wanted a safe zone free of combat, and one that we demanded no military units enter".
- To secure this zone, French troops are authorized to open fire if they deem it necessary. The order is clear: no one is to go beyond Gikongoro.
- Yet, just 20 kilometers away, Tutsi forces are pressing on with their offensive: yesterday [July 3], rebels from the Rwandan Patriotic Front captured the city of Butare. Today, it was the capital's turn; they now have full control of Kigali.
- Buoyed by these victories, they intend to push further and continue their advance, despite the French military presence, or so they claim tonight. Is there a risk of clashes? It cannot be ruled out. However, the French military command has stated that it aims to avoid confrontation.
- In any case, preparations are underway to carry out this new mission and reinforce the Gikongoro stronghold. This evening and tomorrow [July 5], an additional 400 men will be deployed on the ground to defend the security zone.
- As rebels captured Kigali and Butare, the country's second-largest city, today, France faced a very delicate decision.
Jacques Rosier: "For once, it's clear: we are setting up in Gikongoro and staying put".
- That is the new mission for French soldiers based in southwestern Rwanda: to remain in Gikongoro, 20 kilometers from the front line, and defend a security zone. This zone was created with UN approval to shelter Rwandan refugees of all ethnicities; they are arriving by the thousands every day.
- Admiral Lanxade: "We stated that we wanted a safe zone free of combat, and one that we demanded no military units enter".
- To secure this zone, French troops are authorized to open fire if they deem it necessary. The order is clear: no one is to go beyond Gikongoro.
- Yet, just 20 kilometers away, Tutsi forces are pressing on with their offensive: yesterday [July 3], rebels from the Rwandan Patriotic Front captured the city of Butare. Today, it was the capital's turn; they now have full control of Kigali.
- Buoyed by these victories, they intend to push further and continue their advance, despite the French military presence, or so they claim tonight. Is there a risk of clashes? It cannot be ruled out. However, the French military command has stated that it aims to avoid confrontation.
- In any case, preparations are underway to carry out this new mission and reinforce the Gikongoro stronghold. This evening and tomorrow [July 5], an additional 400 men will be deployed on the ground to defend the security zone.