Paris, — French investigative judges have decided to end the inquiry into Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, widow of former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, who had been accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The judges ruled that there was no evidence linking Kanziga to the planning or execution of the genocide, noting instead that she was directly affected by the April 6, 1994 plane attack that killed her husband.

The investigation began in 2008, following a complaint filed by survivor associations demanding that Kanziga be investigated for genocide and crimes against humanity. Although prosecutors initially sought to expand the probe in 2022 and 2024, the judges repeatedly found insufficient evidence.

On May 18, 2025, France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) appealed against the dismissal of the case, arguing that Kanziga should be investigated for her activities between March 1 and April 9, 1994. However, on August 20, 2025, judges reaffirmed their earlier decision and declined to re-examine the appeal.

The ruling drew mixed reactions. Members of the Habyarimana family welcomed the closure, while survivor groups and their lawyers vowed to continue legal efforts. “This is only one step,” said attorney Me Gisagara, adding that the case could still move forward on appeal.

Kanziga, now 82 years old, has lived in France since being evacuated on April 9, 1994, under the orders of then-President François Mitterrand. Reports, including a 2008 inquiry by Gen. Maj. (Rtd) Paul Rwarakabije, indicated that she received financial support from French intelligence services, with some funds allegedly funneled to Aloys Ntiwiragabo, a founder of the FDLR rebel group.

Political analyst Tite Gatabazi argued that French reluctance to prosecute Kanziga reflects lingering ties to the Mitterrand era. “She holds sensitive information about France’s role in the genocide,” Gatabazi said. “That’s why she continues to enjoy state protection even today.”