Rwanda’s Foreign Relations Post-Genocide

Abstract

Since the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, the UK and Rwanda have developed close political, economic and security relations. However, the relationship could be tested with the recent renewal of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and France. Jonathan Beloff examines why the Rwandan government, and particularly its armed services, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), will favour continuing security relations with the UK rather than France. He argues how historical experiences influence current perceptions of security dynamics within Rwanda’s foreign affairs.