France, Rwanda
Nicolas Sarkozy's discreet role in Kigali-Paris rapprochement

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy (left) with Rwandan head of state Paul Kagame during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy (left) with Rwandan head of state Paul Kagame during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. © Dmitry Astakhov/Sputnik/GOVE/EFE/Newscom/MaxPPP
The former French president played no direct part in the process of normalising relations between France and Rwanda, which was finalised by Emmanuel Macron at the end of May. He nevertheless acted as a knowledgeable and consulted "observer" throughout the negotiation process. As a close friend of Paul Kagame, moreover, he was with the Rwandan president in Paris just a few days before the French president travelled to Rwanda. Exclusive investigation. [...]
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