Why did the french supply the hutu army?

The French supplied the Hutu army during the Rwandan genocide primarily due to geopolitical interests in the region. France sought to maintain influence in Central Africa, positioning itself as a supporter of the Hutu-led government against the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). This support included military training and arms, which contributed to the Hutu government's capability to carry out mass killings. French involvement was also driven by a desire to counter perceived threats from neighboring countries and to uphold a Francophone alliance.