French Court Orders Agathe Kanziga Probe to Continue

The Paris Court of Appeal in France has ruled that investigations into Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana will continue.

The decision overturns a previous ruling that had discontinued the investigation into her alleged role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Court Decision

The ruling was issued on May 6, 2026, by the investigative division of the Paris Court of Appeal. Judges concluded that there were still sufficient grounds to continue examining her possible involvement in the planning and execution of the genocide.

The decision followed an appeal by prosecutors after an earlier ruling stated there was not enough evidence to continue the case.

Allegations Against Agathe Kanziga

Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana has long faced accusations linked to the Genocide against the Tutsi. She is alleged to have been part of the “Akazu,” a group associated with influential figures in the government of former President Juvenal Habyarimana.

The group has been accused of involvement in organizing and carrying out the genocide.

Relocation to France

When the genocide began in April 1994, French forces evacuated Agathe Habyarimana and her family to Paris. They have remained in France since then.

Reaction from IBUKA

IBUKA welcomed the court’s decision and described it as an important step in the fight against impunity.

In a statement, the organization said crimes against humanity should not be forgotten and that justice must prevail.

IBUKA President Philibert Gakwenzire stated that survivors have waited more than three decades for justice. He added that the continuation of the investigation gives renewed hope to survivors.

Survivor Response

Genocide survivor Marie Chantal Niyonshuti said the ruling restored her hope after years of waiting for accountability. She urged the French judiciary not to allow the investigation to stall again.

Calls for Further Action

IBUKA also urged French authorities to speed up proceedings involving Agathe Habyarimana and prosecute other genocide suspects living in France.

Recent media reports have also linked members of the Habyarimana family to activities involving the FDLR armed group.

The ruling is viewed as another step in ongoing international efforts to prosecute individuals suspected of involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi who have lived abroad for many years without facing trial.