The competition will draw participants from around the world, with races across elite and under-23 divisions for both men and women.
Australia arrives well-prepared for the week-long event, fielding a mix of experienced stars and promising young riders across all categories.
{{Men’s elite team spotlight
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Australia’s men’s elite squad features some of the biggest names in world cycling, including Jai Hindley, Michael Matthews, and Luke Plapp.
Jai Hindley made history by winning the 2022 Giro d’Italia, becoming the first Australian to win the race and only the second Australian to win a Grand Tour. He also wore the yellow jersey as leader of the 2023 Tour de France for one stage.
Michael Matthews has claimed stage wins in all three Grand Tours—the Tour de France (4), Giro d’Italia (3), and Vuelta a España (3)—and won the green jersey at the 2017 Tour de France.
Luke Plapp, a multiple-time Australian National Champion, has won the road race three times (2022–2024) and the time trial four times (2021, 2024, 2025). He also earned a bronze medal in the men’s team pursuit at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The rest of the men’s elite squad includes Chris Hamilton, Chris Harper, Callum Scotson, Michael Storer, and Jay Vine, all accomplished riders with international racing experience.
{{Women’s elite team spotlight
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Among the women, Amanda Spratt stands out as Australia’s leading rider. She is a three-time Australian National Road Race Champion and has won two medals at the UCI Road World Championships—a silver and a bronze—highlighting her long-standing success at the highest level of the sport.
Joining Spratt are Neve Bradbury, Brodie Chapman, Lauretta Hanson, Alexandra Manly, and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, all of whom bring strong performances in domestic and international competitions.
{{Under-23 teams
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Australia will also field competitive under-23 squads. The women’s U23 team includes Alli Anderson, Mackenzie Coupland, and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden, while the men’s side features Matthew Greenwood, Zac Marriage, Hamish McKenzie, and Jack Ward, all promising talents in the Australian cycling development pathway.
Most races will be held on a 15.1-kilometre circuit around Kimihurura, with riders completing between five and 15 laps depending on their category.
Australia will aim for strong performances across all events as the world’s top cyclists converge in Rwanda.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebels, who have seized large swaths of territory, stems from decades of ethnic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and longstanding governance failures.
The latest initiative, championed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and other denominations under an interfaith forum, is rooted in the belief that peace requires inclusive dialogue that brings together all Congolese, regardless of political or military alignment. It follows weeks of consultations with government supporters, opposition leaders, armed groups, and regional heads of state.
{{A “month of peace”
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The first phase, described as a “month of peace,” seeks to build trust across the nation. Religious institutions will organise collective prayers, reconciliation campaigns, and civic awareness activities in every province, including zones under the control of the armed coalition AFC/M23. According to the forum, this will serve as a visible gesture of forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation.
Churches will also urge rival factions to embrace dialogue, uphold the Doha ceasefire signed between the Kinshasa administration and the rebel coalition last month, and allow humanitarian operations to reach vulnerable communities.
{{Experts’ dialogue on root causes
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The second phase will bring together experts from diverse fields — education, governance, research, technology, and the diaspora — to identify the structural causes of DRC’s crises since independence in 1960.
This stage will scrutinize political agreements and peace accords signed over the decades, the country’s security and governance track record, economic policies, management of natural resources, environmental issues, and ethnic relations.
It will also revisit DRC’s relations with neighbouring countries and the enforcement of human rights and justice. Findings from this process will provide the foundation for broader national dialogue.
{{Political dialogue and consensus-building
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The third phase will convene political actors, civil society leaders, armed groups, traditional authorities, and nonpartisan experts to deliberate on the recommendations from the experts’ dialogue.
The goal is to reach consensus on durable solutions to the root causes of conflict, from governance reforms to security guarantees. To ensure fairness, the forum said participation will be balanced across groups, preventing any one side from dominating.
Resolutions from this stage will be formally submitted to President Félix Tshisekedi.
{{Technical secretariat and international support
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The final phase focuses on implementation. A “technical secretariat” will be created to coordinate the process, ensure follow-up, and mobilise international support. Religious leaders emphasised that external backing will be vital, both for fostering improved relations with Great Lakes neighbours and for financing reconstruction in a post-conflict DRC.
The interfaith coalition called on President Tshisekedi to take swift steps as Head of State to launch the roadmap. It also appealed to regional and international partners to provide diplomatic and financial support.
“The Forum of Religious Denominations in the DRC solemnly calls on the President of the Republic to exercise his role as Head of State to initiate this process without delay, and urges regional and international partners to support these efforts so that peace may finally return to Congo,” the church leaders said in a communique.
Announcing his trip in a message posted on X on August 25, 2025, Grandi said ongoing peace initiatives could help restore stability in the volatile eastern DRC if all parties act in good faith.
“On my way to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Ongoing political initiatives may allow harsh realities on the ground (violence against civilians and forced displacement in Eastern DRC) to be finally addressed, if all actors cooperate. UNHCR stands ready to do its part,” the post reads.
His visit comes on the heels of a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on July 24, 2025, during which Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR adopted a new 2025–2026 Roadmap for Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, was attended by Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.
The roadmap, detailed in a joint communiqué, outlines operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines for facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees between the two countries.
It is viewed as a key pillar of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region, following recent diplomatic breakthroughs—including the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
The new plan reaffirms the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without restrictions. It also calls for closer coordination between Kigali, Kinshasa, and UNHCR, better information-sharing with refugees, and the creation of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently at a transit centre in Goma, with logistical support from UNHCR. The roadmap further emphasises inclusive reintegration efforts, including access to housing, education, health services, livelihoods, and civil documentation, alongside engagement with donors and development partners to support long-term recovery.
On August 25, in line with these commitments, UNHCR successfully repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees who had been held hostage by the FDLR militia, handing them over to the Government of Rwanda.
Grandi’s visit to Rwanda and the DRC is expected to reinforce diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, particularly in tackling the remaining challenges that hinder voluntary return.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision on August 26, 2025, describing the incidents as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
This is the first time since World War II that Australia has taken the step of expelling an ambassador. Operations at Australia’s embassy in Tehran were also suspended.
The attacks, which took place in late 2024, targeted two key Jewish institutions. In October, a kosher restaurant, Lewis Continental Kitchen, in Bondi, Sydney, was firebombed. Two months later, in December, a fire was deliberately set at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.
Although both incidents caused significant property damage, no lives were lost.
According to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), investigations revealed that Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) orchestrated the attacks through multiple layers of intermediaries, including local criminal networks.
This method was designed to conceal Tehran’s role while destabilising Australia’s Jewish community and undermining social cohesion.
In response, the Australian government declared the IRGC a terrorist organisation, expelled four Iranian diplomats, including Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, and gave them one week to leave the country. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised that such measures were both necessary and proportionate, while a national travel warning was issued advising Australians not to travel to Iran.
The executive body of Australian Jewry condemned the attacks as a direct assault on the Jewish community and on the sovereignty of Australia. Israel’s embassy in Canberra welcomed the firm stance, stressing that Iran’s activities represented a threat that extended well beyond the Middle East.
The revelations come at a time of rising antisemitism in Australia, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Jewish institutions have reported a surge in threats, vandalism, and violent incidents, making the arson attacks part of a broader climate of fear.
ASIO’s report detailed how Iranian proxies used encrypted communications, cryptocurrency transfers, and covert recruitment networks to organise and finance the attacks.
Investigators said the sophistication of the plot underscored Iran’s intent to destabilise Australia’s domestic security.
The Australian government stressed that its response sends a clear message that hostile acts directed by foreign powers against communities in Australia will not be tolerated.
Gao, who officially presented his credentials to President Paul Kagame on July 29, 2025, succeeds Wang Xuekun as China’s envoy to Rwanda.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he expressed admiration for Rwanda’s transformation and enthusiasm for expanding ties that have been described as being in their “best period.”
Having arrived in Rwanda just recently, Gao expressed awe at the country’s stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and vibrant culture.
“The city is clean and safe. The culture is very unique. I enjoy the Intore dance very much,” he said, noting his participation in Rwanda’s Car Free Day and his eagerness to join Umuganda, the national community service day.
His initial impressions, shaped by limited prior knowledge and media portrayals, have been surpassed by Rwanda’s dynamic energy and warm hospitality.
“The country brings me surprise almost every day,” he added.
Reflecting on his first meeting with President Kagame, Gao described it as “exciting” and a significant moment in his diplomatic career.
“The President says that China is a reliable good friend of Rwanda,” Gao recounted, conveying warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He praised Rwanda’s unique development path under Kagame’s leadership, noting its success in promoting national unity, social harmony, and strong economic growth. Field trips to remote villages in Rwanda’s north and south affirmed his belief in the people’s support for their leader and pride in their nation’s restored dignity and prosperity.
Gao, who previously served as Deputy Mayor of Changsha, Hunan’s capital, brings a wealth of experience to his role. Changsha, a hub for China-Africa cooperation, has been a gateway for Rwandan products like dried chilli and coffee, which sold out in seconds during Changsha’s online shopping festival.
“Rwanda was under the spotlight, thanks to your perfect and wonderful exhibition and roadshows,” Gao said, referencing the fourth China-Africa Economic Trade Expo in June 2025, attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The ambassador underscored the elevation of Rwanda-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, formalised at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
This milestone, driven by strategic guidance from Presidents Kagame and Xi, has positioned China as Rwanda’s top trading and investment partner. Rwanda’s exports to China hit a record high of $160 million (approximately Frw 230 billion), fueled by Rwandan exports like coffee, tea, and chilli, which resonate with Chinese consumers.
Looking ahead, Gao highlighted emerging sectors for collaboration, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), AI, and information and communication technology (ICT). Chinese EV brands like BYD, Chang’an, and Dongfeng have entered the Rwandan market, marking a “promising start.”
Gao anticipates more brands will follow, supported by maintenance services to ensure sustainability.
In AI and ICT, Rwanda’s forward-thinking approach to innovation makes it a compelling partner for collaboration. Huawei’s smart education project has connected approximately 1,500 Rwandan schools to educational networks, enhancing digital access. Additionally, a digital truck initiative is training local ICT professionals, bolstering Rwanda’s growing tech ecosystem.
Chinese universities and the embassy are also fostering AI capacity through workshops for Rwandan students.
“‘We have set up the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda and the Luban Workshop at IPRC Musanze…AI shouldn’t be exclusive to the wealthy,’ Gao emphasised, highlighting China’s establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation, announced last month, to narrow the digital divide.”
The new envoy also highlighted China’s long-term contributions to the healthcare sector.
“In healthcare, the Chinese medical team has been serving Rwanda for over 40 years, and Masaka Hospital is set to become one of the largest hospitals in the country,” he said.
Addressing criticisms of China’s engagement with Africa, Gao dismissed the “debt trap diplomacy” narrative as a “narrative trap.” He stressed that China attaches no political conditions to its financing, which has built railways, ports, and jobs across Africa without causing debt stress.
“Facts speak louder than words,” he said, citing President Kagame’s rejection of the debt trap narrative at the 2024 Doha Forum and former Namibian President Hage Geingob’s defense of African nations’ agency in managing their affairs.
Gao described Rwanda–China relations as comprehensive, constructive, and congenial, built on mutual respect, shared values, and people-centred development models.
He reiterated that both nations are guided by long-term visions — China’s centenary goals and Rwanda’s Vision 2050 — which provide a strong foundation for cooperation and which he is eager to deepen during his tenure in Rwanda.
“I am not just a visitor passing through. My mission is to observe, to learn, to love, and most importantly, to share. Congratulations on Rwanda’s achievements, and I wish the country greater success on the path of peace and development,” he remarked.
On global trade challenges, particularly U.S. tariffs, Gao argued that openness remains the dominant trend. Despite the 2018 U.S.-China trade war, China’s foreign trade grew from $30 trillion to $43 trillion, underscoring the resilience of global cooperation.
As the world’s second-largest economy, China offers 100% zero-tax access to 53 African countries, including Rwanda, to bolster market access for the least developed nations.
Gao also reaffirmed China’s stance on Taiwan, emphasising the one-China principle and Rwanda’s consistent support, as reiterated at the 2024 FOCAC Summit.
“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” he said, noting the historical mandates of the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.
The returnees were received by the government on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will be accommodated at the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi district before resuming normal life.
The repatriation follows decisions made during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.
Most of the returnees had been staying in the temporary Goma camp after fleeing areas in eastern DRC, where they were previously held captive by the FDLR militia group.
Egide Twagirumukiza, 65, who has lived in the DRC since 1994, said the FDLR had instilled fear among residents, preventing anyone from returning.
“They really prevented us from returning! They would either kill you or detain you if you tried to go back,” he said.
The group joins over 1,100 Rwandans who returned in May 2025 with UNHCR’s support. According to UNHCR, as of August 6, 2025, the temporary Goma camp still hosted 630 Rwandans awaiting return, with another 31 at various sites in Kitshanga, Karuba, and Mweso.
According to a statement released by the Congo River Alliance on Monday, August 25, at around 2:30 a.m., these forces carried out incursions into densely populated areas of Kibati, Munigi, Goma, and surrounding communities. The attacks resulted in the deaths of four civilians and left three others seriously injured.
The Alliance called on human rights organisations, as well as the national and international community, to document and strongly condemn what it described as “systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity” perpetrated by the Kinshasa regime.
The statement further accused the government of trampling the spirit and letter of the ongoing Doha Peace Process, citing continued arbitrary arrests, death sentences for alleged members of the Alliance, and targeting former President Joseph Kabila in what the group called “a mockery of justice.”
In an earlier statement on Sunday, August 24, the Alliance warned that coalition forces—including foreign mercenaries—had launched attacks on KADASOMWA and nearby positions, causing significant civilian displacement and casualties from drone bombardments.
The statement warned that, unlike previous attacks where perpetrators were allowed to return home without consequence, this new campaign would not go unpunished.
The Congo River Alliance reiterated its commitment to protect civilian populations and establish a security perimeter to neutralise what it described as the “terrorist forces of the Kinshasa regime.”
The AFC/M23 remains engaged in ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar, aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, where the group has accused government forces of targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities through marginalisation and violence.
Beyond her public image, she is an entrepreneur who seamlessly blends fashion, business, and philanthropy, most notably by supporting children from underprivileged families with school supplies to promote education.
But while her polished appearances often steal the spotlight, Kate lives a personal life that surprises many. She is unapologetic about her choices, prioritising happiness even when it sparks mixed reactions from the public.
One example is her love for animals—particularly her eight dogs, which she openly showers with affection and care, even buying land for them. For her, the bond is genuine, though some critics see it as excessive.
In an exclusive sit-down with IGIHE, Kate opened up about her journey, lifestyle, and values—from her playful childhood to her passion for giving back, and everything in between.
{{IGIHE: Who is Kate Bashabe?
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Kate Bashabe is an ordinary Rwandan woman who loves people, is calm, and enjoys things that bring happiness.
{{What kind of child were you growing up?
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As a child, I was very playful, and that energy has never really left me. I still keep everyone at home entertained with my liveliness. Back then, my parents were often concerned, wondering if I would return home safely or without any injuries. Despite my playful nature, I was also a well-behaved and respectful child.
{{We often see you attending football matches outside Rwanda. Which teams do you support?
}}
I am a big fan of Liverpool, but I also support Arsenal. I started following Liverpool when I was in the UK. As for Arsenal, I was once lucky to be invited by the club itself, and that was a very joyful experience because it’s something many people dream of but never get the chance to do. So whenever I get the opportunity, especially to watch Liverpool, I always go because I support them passionately.
{{How do you usually spend your day at home, from morning until night?
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When I don’t have work commitments, I often spend time with children from families I am close to. They enjoy being around me because I still have a childlike energy. I love playing, dancing, and watching movies. I also dedicate a lot of time to my dogs, which I love dearly. I currently have eight of them. On such days, I don’t feel the need to do much else. I take time to relax, watch films, or exercise, as fitness is something I really enjoy.
{{How did you develop such a strong love for dogs?
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I grew up in a household where dogs were part of the family. My father kept as many as seven, so I was surrounded by them from a young age, and that is where my affection for dogs began. As I got older, I always dreamed of owning my own and caring for different breeds. Beyond companionship, my dogs also provide security at home.
Of course, some people have different opinions, especially when I share a lot about them on social media. They may think I go overboard, but it simply comes from genuine love. Perhaps in the future, I’ll share less, but they remain a big part of my life.
{{With eight dogs, how do you manage their care professionally?
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Taking care of dogs is almost like managing another project. If I didn’t have the means, I couldn’t do it, because it requires both time and significant resources. They eat a lot, mostly meat, which is costly. To support them, I even set aside savings specifically for their needs and allocated land where I grow food for them.
Caring for them goes beyond feeding. It includes cleaning, medical care, and monitoring their overall well-being. My dogs eat twice a day, receive vaccinations regularly, and have a dedicated veterinarian who checks on them. It truly is a lot of work, but I see them as part of the family, deserving of proper attention and professional care.
{{What kinds of sports do you enjoy?
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I go to the gym regularly, but I also enjoy walking every evening. The area where I live has hills, so walking there is refreshing. I also love swimming—it’s something I enjoy a lot. Going to the gym and lifting weights helps me stay strong so that when I grow older, I will remain healthy.
{{What do you love so much that you think you might actually be addicted to it?
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I love eating! That’s actually why I do a lot of exercise, because I eat a lot and not always the healthiest foods. I love rice, fries, meat, and mayonnaise. I can eat up to four times a day. Honestly, I really love food. If I didn’t exercise, I would gain too much weight. For me, food is life, especially when I enjoy it with a cold soda—it makes me feel alive.
{{What is the most painful experience you’ve ever gone through?
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The death of my grandmother. She was my closest friend. When she passed away, it left me traumatised for a long time. Even my parents didn’t know how to help me through it. I struggled in school, and her death broke me completely. I was deeply hurt, and even today, I still think about her.
{{What’s your secret to looking good and maintaining your figure?
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The real secret is having a good heart. Let me explain: if you keep stressing about life, it becomes even harder. But if you stay positive, keep smiling, and choose to live with joy, that shows on the outside too. There’s really no magic secret. It’s about being kind, staying humble, and enjoying life with others without thinking of yourself as above anyone else. Life is short, and none of us know what tomorrow will bring.
{{You once participated in MTN Rwanda’s beauty contest and won. Why didn’t you pursue pageantry further like other girls who later competed in Miss Rwanda?
}}
Yes, I was crowned “Miss Nyarugenge” in the MTN Rwanda competition, and we were supposed to move forward to the final round. Unfortunately, my father was in a car accident at the time, and I had to travel to Kenya where he was. I couldn’t continue with the competition. I had set my heart on becoming Miss Rwanda, but once it didn’t work out, I decided to shift my focus and put my energy into business instead.
{{As a businesswoman, what is the first project you worked on that brought you significant income?
}}
It was a contract with MTN. Imagine, I was still in secondary school when I signed it, and it was worth about 1 million Rwandan francs, which was a lot of money at the time. I was paid monthly, and I also earned from having my face on billboards and in newspapers. That was the starting point for my business journey. I saved every franc I earned—I didn’t even spend a coin on clothes. Later, I invested those savings into my own business.
{{What inspired your passion for helping underprivileged children?
}}
Kate Bashabe: I would say my grandmother inspired me the most. She helped so many people, and I lived with her for a while, so I saw that spirit of generosity firsthand. My mother also has a very giving heart. But beyond family influence, it also comes from within. If you don’t genuinely have that heart, you won’t do it, even if your family does. For me, it’s part of who I am—the desire to give and do good.
{{Despite your financial independence, some say women no longer need a husband. What’s your take?
}}
Everyone has their own choices in life. I can’t judge those who feel they don’t need a husband once they have money. But personally, I do want a husband. I dream of having a family, and I don’t believe that financial independence should take that away. Even if I had all the money in the world, I would still wish for a family, because it is something every person naturally desires.
{{Considering your age, what advice would you give to an 18-year-old girl?
}}
My advice would be to pay close attention to the people around you, the groups you associate with, and the friends you spend the most time with because they can influence your direction in life. I would also encourage having a mentor, someone who can guide you and help you understand things better. This could even be a parent, since they often have wisdom in areas you may want to pursue. Lastly, it’s important to remain humble and open to advice, listen carefully, and then choose the guidance that is best for you.
{{How did you receive the recent law passed in Rwanda that allows a woman to carry a child for another through surrogacy?
}}
I don’t have much to say about the law itself, because people’s situations are different. There are women who may not have the ability to carry a child themselves, and this gives them an option to still experience motherhood. However, I would personally prefer to carry my own children.
According to Reuters, the six-year contract grants Meta access to Google Cloud’s servers, storage, and networking services.
The partnership comes at a critical moment as Meta intensifies its investment in AI and rapidly expands its data infrastructure on a global scale.
For Google, the agreement is a significant achievement in the fiercely competitive cloud market, traditionally dominated by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. Google Cloud recently reported 32% revenue growth in the second quarter of 2025, and bringing Meta on board further consolidates its position as a leading provider of large-scale computing power.
Meta has made no secret of its commitment to artificial intelligence as the core of its future strategy. In July, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on new data centres and AI systems.
The company also raised its 2025 capital expenditure forecast to between $66 billion and $72 billion, an increase of $2 billion compared to earlier projections. To support this growth, Meta has been selling off roughly $2 billion worth of data center assets, a move designed to balance costs while maintaining the pace of expansion.
Partnering with Google Cloud offers Meta the flexibility to scale quickly without being constrained by its own facilities.
The deal also reflects broader trends across the technology industry. Google Cloud has secured similar partnerships with other AI companies, including OpenAI, underscoring how even rival firms are turning to its infrastructure to power their most advanced projects.
News of the agreement was well received by investors. Meta’s stock rose 2% to $754.55 on Thursday, recovering some ground after a week of steep declines.
Analysts view the deal as a clear signal that Meta is consolidating its role in the AI race while making strategic infrastructure choices that could shape the future of the industry.
His remarks come days after French investigative judges dismissed a long-running case against her, citing insufficient evidence.
Speaking to France Inter on Saturday, Duclert said, “The archival documents we are collecting show the very strong involvement of Agathe Habyarimana in the Genocide against the Tutsi, being, like her brother, the mastermind of the Zero Network, the secret command center tasked with exterminating the Tutsi.”
French judges ruled on August 20 that there were no grounds to prosecute Kanziga for complicity in genocide or crimes against humanity, noting she was herself affected by the April 6, 1994 plane attack that killed her husband.
However, Duclert stressed that historical records tell a different story, pointing to her alleged role in coordinating the extremist “Zero Network” and her continued activism after being evacuated to France by French forces on April 9, 1994.
“The most numerous and converging analyses confirm that the attack on her husband’s plane was the work of the Zero Network, either directly or as the instigator,” Duclert said, adding that Kanziga was also heavily involved in the killings that immediately followed.
He argued that further investigation into her role “clearly seems necessary.”
{{Appeals against dismissal
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The ruling has already sparked appeals. On Thursday, France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) announced it would contest the decision, alongside the Civil Parties Collective for Rwanda (CPCR), which represents genocide survivors.
Lawyer Richard Gisagara, who represents survivor organisations, confirmed that the decision to halt the probe will not stand unchallenged.
“Do not be discouraged by the celebrations of génocidaires, deniers, hatemongers, and their supporters. This is only one step in the case. The next steps are appeal and annulment. The case cannot be declared closed until it has gone through all these stages,” he said on August 22.
{{A contested legal history
}}
The case against Kanziga dates back to 2008, when survivors’ groups filed a complaint in France over her alleged role in the genocide. Judges previously attempted to close the case in 2022, citing lack of evidence, but PNAT pushed for a broader inquiry covering her activities in the weeks leading up to April 6, 1994. Despite these requests, investigative judges in May 2025 again dismissed the case, a decision reaffirmed last week.
The ruling has been welcomed by the Habyarimana family, including Kanziga’s son Jean-Luc, who claimed the case was permanently closed. But survivor groups and prosecutors argue that both the scope and evidence considered by the judges were too limited.
Kanziga, now 82, has lived in France since her evacuation during the genocide, reportedly surviving on state support. Analysts argue that her protection reflects enduring political sensitivities in France over its role in Rwanda.
Political analyst Tite Gatabazi told IGIHE that remnants of the Mitterrand era continue to shield her.
“She holds secrets about France’s role in the genocide. She was evacuated by a French plane. To this day, she lives on support from the French state. Even though governments have changed, she still has powerful protectors,” he said.
