Rwanda : les archives américaines déclassifiées

Bruno Gouteux - 12/01/2014
Image:Rwanda : les archives américaines déclassifiées

Freedom of Information Act
la « Rwandan Declassification Collection » américaine

Le Freedom Information Act (ou loi pour la liberté d’information), votée le 4 juillet 1966 par le président Lyndon Johnson, « oblige les agences fédérales à transmettre leurs documents, à quiconque en fait la demande ».

Remi Korman nous rappelle que « l’association National Security Archive (archives de la sécurité nationale), située au sein de l’Université Georges Washington, se charge de conserver mais aussi de demander la déclassification de documents par l’administration américaine. »

En 2012, le département d’État américain mettait en ligne une collection spécifique sur le Rwanda comprenant plus de 2000 documents. Remi Korman publie, en novembre 2013, un index de ces documents déclassifiés - mais rendus difficilement accessibles - par l’administration américaine sur le Rwanda, la « Rwandan Declassification Collection ».
Présentation ci-dessous.

Remi Korman, étudiant-chercheur à l’EHESS [1], publiait, le 26 novembre dernier, la liste des archives américaines déclassifiées sur le Rwanda.

Pour rappel, dès 2001, la National Security Archive mettait en ligne une série de 16 documents déclassifiés renseignant sur ce que savaient les états occidentaux avant le génocide, dont un fax alarmant de Romeo Dallaire, commandant des forces des Nations Unies au Rwanda au Général Maurice Baril, du DKPO (United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations [2]) - alors dirigé par Kofi Annan - mentionnant notamment, quatre mois avant le début du génocide [3], « l’existence de caches d’armes, un complot visant à assassiner casques bleus belges et membres du parlement rwandais, ainsi que l’existence de listes de Tutsi à assassiner. » [4]

« A partir de ce fonds, il est possible de mieux comprendre la politique d’inaction américaine (et internationale [Nda]) pendant le génocide », indique Remi Korman, avant d’ajouter :

(...) il est bien difficile de comprendre la rationalité des nombreux textes se donnant pour mission de prouver que les Etats-Unis avaient préparé dès les années 1980 un plan de domination géopolitique de la région."

Indépendamment des questions posées par le rôle des Etats-Unis dans la région des Grands-Lacs, dont la lecture de ces documents peut fournir quelques éléments de réponse, il nous paraît intéressant de relire cette documentation avec pour objectif de comprendre le rôle joué par l’ONU et son Département des opérations de maintien de la paix.

En 1994, le secrétaire général de l’ONU n’est autre que Boutros Boutros-Ghali, diplomate égyptien dont la proximité avec la diplomatie française ne fait pas mystère : il sera même nommé Secrétaire général de la francophonie, de 1997 à 2002.

En 1994, il est donc « le patron » de Kofi Annan, secrétaire général adjoint de l’Organisation des Nations unies aux Opérations de Maintien de la Paix qui aura laissé se dérouler, sous les caméras des médias internationaux, le génocide des Tutsi du Rwanda - incapable de venir en aide aux populations massacrées mais finissant par concéder à la France qu’elle vole finalement au secours de ses alliés génocidaires en déroute lors de l’opération Turquoise.

C’est sous le prisme de cette mainmise française sur le Département des Opérations de Maintien de la Paix de l’ONU - ainsi que du rôle joué par la France au sein du Conseil de Sécurité - que nous invitons les chercheurs à lire et relire ces documents déclassifiés par l’administration américaine.

Peu d’études auront en effet été menées sur ce Département de « maintien de la paix », le DKPO (ou DOMP en français), constamment dirigé par des hauts fonctionnaires et diplomates français depuis Kofi Annan - de Bernard Miyet (de janvier 1997 à octobre 2000), Jean-Marie Guéhenno (d’octobre 2000 à juillet 2008), Alain Le Roy (du 30 juin 2008 au 2 septembre 2011) à Hervé Ladsous (à compter du 2 septembre 2011).

Signalons ici que la revue La Nuit rwandaise, dans sa huitième livraison (avril 2014), entend ouvrir ce dossier du rôle joué en 1994 par le DKPO. Et au delà de l’Histoire, nous nous pencherons également sur le « Robust Peacekeeping » (maintien de la paix robuste) et « l’approche globale », nouvel « outil conceptuel » du département des opérations de maintien de la paix récemment mis en oeuvre au Kivu.


Ci-dessous l’inventaire des documents et la description des fonds, telle qu’elle était accessible en mai 2013 lorsque Remi Korman les a consultés.

Une partie de ces documents est accessible en ligne sur Scribd :
« La Rwandan Declassification Collection ne concerne pas seulement le Rwanda, mais la plupart des autres Etats de l’Afrique centrale et la région des Grands Lacs d’Afrique. Le génocide rwandais (ainsi que la guerre civile au Burundi) a créé une énorme population de réfugiés et de personnes déplacées qui ont contribué à la déstabilisation de toute la région. Le rôle de la communauté internationale et sa réponse aux événements du Rwanda sont décrits tout au long de la collection, y compris les actions de la Belgique et de la France, les Nations Unies (ONU), l’Organisation de l’unité africaine (OUA) et de l’Union européenne (UE), les organisations non gouvernementales, et les États-Unis. »
http://fr.scribd.com/collections/3676675/Rwandan-Declassification-Project-Part-Two

Rwandan Declassification Collection

The Rwandan Declassification Collection not only concerns Rwanda, but many of the other states in Central Africa and the African Great Lake region. The Rwandan Genocide (as well as civil war in Burundi) created a huge population of refugees and displaced persons that contributed to the destabilization of the entire region. The role of the international community and its response to events in Rwanda is described throughout the collection, including the actions of Belgium and France ; the United Nations (UN), the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and the European Union (EU) ; non-government organizations ; and the United States.

1.Arusha Accords and the Peace Process – this collection consists of documents concerning peace negotiations between the government of Rwanda and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) to end the Rwandan Civil War that began in October 1990 when the RPF invaded Rwanda from neighboring Uganda. The collection begins in April 1992 with the announcement by Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana of a new multi-party transition government and concludes with the signing of the Arusha Accords in Arusha, Tanzania in August 1993.

2.Transition and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) – this collection consists of documents concerning the implementation of the Arusha Accords (which provided the blueprint for a 22-month transition period ending in multi-party democratic national elections) and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) to help implement the plan. The collection begins just after the signing of the Arusha Accords in August 1993 and ends with the death of Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira in a plane crash on April 6, 1994.

3.The Rwandan Genocide – this collection of documents concerns the mass murder of an estimated 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutus in Rwanda between April and July 1994 after an airplane carrying Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down as it prepared to land in Kigali, Rwanda on April 6. The genocide did not end until the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), composed mostly of Tutsi, defeated the Hutu dominated militias and government forces of Rwanda in July 1994. The collection includes material covering the reaction of and the actions by the international community, particularly the Belgians and French.

4.War Crimes, Human Rights Monitors, and the International Tribunal for Rwanda – this collection concerns the establishment of the International Tribunal for Rwanda for the prosecution of persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. The collection includes documents on the detention of Rwandan war criminals, arrests and prison conditions, developing a justice system in Rwanda, and the United Nations Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda.

5.Internal Displacement and the Great Lakes Refugee Crisis - These collections contain material on the humanitarian disaster facing a large number of displaced individuals throughout the African Great Lakes Region following the Rwandan Genocide. The documents in these collections include information on the response to the crisis by the international community, including relief efforts by France, the United States, the United Nations, and non-government organizations. These collections concern the efforts to bring stability to Rwanda ; to create conditions for repatriation ; security in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps ; and the increased instability throughout the Great Lakes Region, particularly Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Burundi.


1.Arusha Accords and the Peace Process

This collection consists of documents concerning peace negotiations between the government of Rwanda and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) to end the Rwandan Civil War that began in October 1990 when the RPF invaded Rwanda from neighboring Uganda. The collection begins in April 1992 with the announcement by Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana of a new multiparty transition government and concludes with the signing of the Arusha Accords in Arusha, Tanzania in August 1993.

1.1.Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns the establishment of peace negotiations and the first four rounds of talks between the government of Rwanda and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) to end the civil war in Rwanda.

1.2.Tranche II – this part of the collection includes material relating to the conditions in Rwanda during peace negotiations between the government of Rwanda and the RPF and documents concerning the role of the international community, including the United States.

1.2.3.Tranche III – this part of the collection includes documents on French security concerns for Rwanda and the role of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations (UN) as peace negotiations continue. This tranche also includes documents concerning discussions on a possible peacekeeping force for Rwanda.

2.Transition and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR)

This collection consists of documents concerning the implementation of the Arusha Accords (which provided the blueprint for a 22-month transition period ending in multi-party democratic national elections) and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) to help implement the plan. The collection begins just after the signing of the Arusha Accords in August 1993 and ends with the death of Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira in a plane crash on April 6, 1994.

2.1.Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns the difficulties in implementing the Arusha Peace Accord, the establishment of a Neutral International Force (NIF) to provide security and help to implement the peace accord, and the visit of President Habyarimana to the United States.

2.2.Tranche II – this part of the collection begins with the initial deployment of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) to, among other responsibilities, contribute to the security of Kigali and monitor the ceasefire. This portion of the Collection also includes documents concerning attacks on civilians, refugees from Burundi, and human rights reporting. The tranche ends in early January 1994 with President Habyarimana taking the oath of office under the Arusha Peace Accord.

2.3.Tranche III – this part of the collection includes documents concerning the continued delays in installing transition institutions, repatriation of refugees returning to Rwanda, and the expansion of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR).

2.4.Tranche IV – this part of the collection includes documents concerning the increased anxiety among U.S. Personnel, increased demonstrations and violence, and the continuing conflict in Burundi.

3.The Rwandan Genocide

This collection of documents concerns the mass murder of an estimated 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutus in Rwanda between April and July 1994 after an airplane carrying Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira was shot down as it prepared to land in Kigali, Rwanda on April 6. The genocide did not end until the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), composed mostly of Tutsi, defeated the Hutu dominated militias and government forces of Rwanda in July 1994. The collection includes material covering the reaction of and the actions by the international community, particularly the Belgians and French.

3.1.April
Rwanda Monitoring Group Situation Reports (04/07/94 – 04/15/94)
April 7 – 11
April 12 – 19
April 20 – 30

3.2.May
May 1 – 6
May 7 – 15
May 16 – 24
May 25 – 31

3.3.June
June 1 – 10
June 11 – 20
June 21 – 30

3.4.July
July 1 – 12
July 13 – 20

4.War Crimes, Human Rights Monitors, and the International Tribunal for Rwanda

War Crimes, Human Rights Monitors, and the International Tribunal for Rwanda – this collection concerns the establishment of the International Tribunal for Rwanda for the prosecution of persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. The collection includes documents on the detention of Rwandan war criminals, arrests and prison conditions, developing a justice system in Rwanda, and the United Nations Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda.

4.1.Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns reports of human rights abuses and the establishment and support for a Rwanda War Crimes Tribunal to prosecute violations of international humanitarian law and laws against genocide. This tranche includes documents concerning preliminary investigations into human rights violations and efforts to promote human rights and reconciliation.

4.2.Tranche II – this part of the collection concerns reports of human rights abuses by the military wing of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), issues concerning the UN’s Human Rights Field Officers, and gathering international support for a Rwanda War Crimes Tribunal. This tranche ends with the adoption by the Security Council of the United Nations of Resolution 955 establishing a Rwandan war crimes tribunal in November 1994.

4.3.Tranche III – this part of the collection concerns the planning for and establishment of the International Tribunal for Rwanda. This tranche includes material on the United Nations Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda and the United Nations Resolution on Detention of Rwandan War Criminals. This part of the collection also covers Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor John Shattuck’s visit to Rwanda.

5.Internal Displacement and the Great Lakes Refugee Crisis

These collections contain material on the humanitarian disaster facing a large number of displaced individuals throughout the African Great Lakes Region following the Rwandan Genocide. The documents in these collections include information on the response to the crisis by the international community, including relief efforts by France, the United States, the United Nations, and non-government organizations. These collections concern the efforts to bring stability to Rwanda ; to create conditions for repatriation ; security in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps ; and increased instability throughout the Great Lakes Region, particularly Zaire (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Burundi.

5.1.Operation Turquoise, UNAMIR II, and Operation Support Hope

5.1.1Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns the decision by President William Clinton to greatly increase U.S. military humanitarian relief operations named Operation Support Hope and appeals by UN Secretary-General Boutros-Ghali for assistance for the people affected by the crisis in Rwanda. This trance includes discussions between the U.S. and France, particularly concerning equipment for the United Nations Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR).

5.1.2.Tranche II – this part of the collection concerns the contributions by various nations in relief efforts for refugees and the UN Pledging Conference for Rwanda. This tranche begins with the U.S. military securing Kigali Airport for relief flights.

5.1.3.Tranche III – this part of the collection concerns the transition from Operation Turquoise to an expanded UNAMIR ; security issues in refugee camps ; and the volatile situation in Burundi. This tranche also concerns funding issues, discussions on forming Friends of Rwanda and Friends of Burundi groups, and the drawdown of Operation Support Hope.

5.2.Camp Security and the Rwanda Operational Support Group

5.2.1.Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns efforts to ensure security in the refugee camps and discussions on forming “Friends” groups for Rwanda and Burundi. This tranche includes documents concerning refugee relief funds and contributing supplies and troops for UNAMIR. Also included in this tranche are discussions between U.S. officials and the international community, including the French, Belgians, and Rwandans, as well as discussions within the United Nations.

5.2.2.Tranche II – this part of the collection concerns the formation and first meetings of the Rwanda Operational Support Group and discussions concerning a regional refugee conference. This tranche includes material on refugee camp security, conditions of refugee camps in Zaire, repatriation, and the continuing role of the UNAMIR. This tranche also covers meetings between U.S. officials and Rwandan Prime Minister Faustin Twagiramungu.

5.2.3.Tranche III – this part of the collection concerns Vice President and Minister of Defense Paul Kagame’s visit to the U.S., Rwanda Operational Support meetings, and meetings between U.S. officials and the European Union and the Organization of African Unity. This tranche includes material on consultations with the French and Belgians concerning Zaire and Rwanda ; the increased militarization of refugee camps, attempts to close internally displaced person camps ; and continuing concerns over Burundi.

5.2.4.Tranche IV – this part of the collection concerns the Bujumbura Regional Conference on Assistance to Refugees, Returnees, and Displaced Persons. This tranche also concerns arms flow to Hutu paramilitary groups and former government forces in refugee camps in Zaire, increased arrests and prison crowding, and tensions between the UNAMIR and the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).

5.3.Kibeho and the Government of National Unity

5.3.1.Tranche I – this part of the collection concerns violence within refugee and internally displaced persons camps, including Kibeho ; the rearming of Hutu militants ; and re-examining the mandate of the UNAMIR. This tranche also contains information on contingency plans for Burundi in the event of another humanitarian disaster.

5.3.2.Tranche II – this part of the collection concerns border security, reports of illegal arms trafficking to former Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), and UNAMIR’s new mandate. This tranche includes material on cross-border attacks from Zaire and discussions with the French regarding allegations of French support for former members of the FAR.

5.3.3.Tranche III – this part of the collection concerns the Rwandan arms embargo, the security situation in Burundi, continuing raids from Hutu exiles, and forced repatriation of Rwanda refugees from Zaire. This tranche ends with the reshuffling of the government of Rwanda and resignation/removal of Prime Minister Faustin Twagiramungu.

Des travaux d’étudiant(e)s déconsidérés

Remi Korman, qui anime depuis 2012 le site rwanda.hypotheses.org, aura constaté que « les mémoires de recherche (de licence à Master 2) sont déconsidérés » - après avoir consulté, dans le cadre de ses recherches, la littérature scientifique sur le Rwanda et après en avoir discuté avec de nombreux chercheurs.

Il a en effet « constaté que les travaux étudiants ne sont que rarement consultés » :

Or, « de nombreux mémoires se révèlent plus riches que des articles publiés dans des revues scientifiques, mais ils restent généralement considérés de fait comme une “littérature scientifique d’essai” et ne sont donc que peu valorisés »
A lire sur les mémoires et les thèses en ligne : http://rwanda.hypotheses.org/321


Plus d’infos : http://rwanda.hypotheses.org/592
Illustration : image issue du site The National Security Archive

Bruno Gouteux est journaliste et éditeur —Izuba éditions, Izuba information, La Nuit rwandaise, L’Agence d’Information (AI), Guerre Moderne, Globales…—, consultant —Inter-Culturel Ltd— et dirige une société de création de sites Internet et de contenus —Suwedi Ltd.

Il est engagé dans plusieurs projets associatifs en France et au Rwanda : Appui Rwanda, Distrilibre, Initiatives et Solutions interculturelles (ISI), le groupe Permaculture Rwanda, Mediarezo

 12/01/2014

[1EHESS - Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (www.ehess.fr - ou sur le site Academia.edu)

[2DOMP - Département des opérations de maintien de la paix

[311 janvier 1994

[4« the existence of arms caches, a plot to assassinate Belgian UN peacekeepers and Rwandan members of parliament, and the existence of lists of Tutsis to be killed. »

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