The document was written by Lt. Col. Charles Uwihoreye, a former officer in Habyarimana’s presidential security apparatus who also served as commander of the military gendarmerie in Ruhengeri Prefecture.
In the letter dated June 24, 1994, Uwihoreye wrote to Col. René Galinié, who served as military adviser at the French Embassy in Kigali between 1988 and 1991, detailing killings taking place across Rwanda.
The letter remained undisclosed for years before Galinié handed it in 2022 to historian Prof. Vincent Duclert, who chaired the French commission investigating France’s role and support for the Rwandan government between 1990 and 1994.
French newspaper Le Monde published the document on May 7, 2026, after Galinié authorised its release to journalists through Prof. Duclert.
In the letter, Uwihoreye describes how soldiers from Habyarimana’s presidential guard under the command of Major Mugemana killed Tutsi civilians in the communes of Kinigi and Kigombe in Ruhengeri on January 22, 1991. He also recounts how members of his own family were subsequently targeted.
The officer further notes that massacres of Tutsis in Bugesera and other regions, including Kibilira, were carried out by Interahamwe militias operating under the supervision of presidential guard units and with the backing of senior government officials.
According to Uwihoreye, the government at the time prioritised the elimination of political opponents over developing a military strategy against the RPA, relying instead on informal directives issued through the Presidency.
He states that orders to target Tutsi civilians originated from members of the Akazu, also referred to as the “Réseau Zéro”, a powerful network composed of Habyarimana, his wife Agathe Kanziga, and close family associates.
Uwihoreye wrote that officials across political, military, and economic institutions were expected to comply with directives issued by the Akazu. He noted, however, that then-Minister of Defence James Gasana opposed the system and ultimately resigned.
The letter identifies Habyarimana as the leading figure within the Akazu, followed by Agathe Kanziga. Protais Zigiranyirazo, Kanziga’s brother, widely known as “Monsieur Z” and a former prefect of Ruhengeri, is identified as the third-ranking member.
Prof. Duclert said Uwihoreye had served the Habyarimana government loyally before being imprisoned in 1991 on accusations of treason, allegations he said were based solely on the officer’s Tutsi identity.
Duclert also said Uwihoreye trusted Galinié because the French officer had intervened on his behalf, helping secure his release and reinstatement.
“Charles Uwihoreye served Habyarimana’s government faithfully before being imprisoned in 1991 because, as a Tutsi, he was considered a traitor,” Duclert said.
“He was later released thanks to René Galinié’s intervention and returned to his duties. Galinié considered him a reliable source and someone with deep knowledge of the Habyarimana government.”
A separate document from the French external intelligence agency (DGSE), dated September 22, 1994, also identified Habyarimana, Kanziga, and Zigiranyirazo as leading figures within the Akazu and described its members as “Hutu extremists” opposed to democratic reforms.
That intelligence report, published by Mediapart and Radio France in February 2019, further alleged that several military officers protected by Kanziga and Zigiranyirazo, while directing attacks against Tutsi civilians, became known as the “Colonels de Madame.”
Among those named were Col. Elie Sagatwa, Kanziga’s brother; Séraphin Rwabukumba, another relative of Kanziga; and Charles Nzabagerageza, a cousin of Habyarimana and former prefect of Ruhengeri.
Others identified as members of the Akazu included Col. Théoneste Bagosora, a senior official in the Ministry of Defense; Lt. Col. Anatole Nsengiyumva, head of military intelligence; Lt. Col. Nkundiye, former commander of the presidential guard; Capt. Pascal Simbikangwa; former Justice Minister Matayo Ngirumpatse; RTLM executive Ferdinand Nahimana; Lt. Col. Tharcisse Renzaho; Emmanuel Bagambiki; Col. Laurent Serubuga; and Col. Pierre Célestin Rwagafilita.
During investigations into Kanziga in France, Col. Galinié told investigating judges Stéphanie Tacheau and Carole Vujasinovic that Kanziga was indeed part of the Akazu, although she sought to avoid public association with the group.
Uwihoreye’s letter was never introduced as evidence in court proceedings. However, it may now become part of renewed efforts to examine Kanziga’s role in the planning and implementation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This week, the Paris Court of Appeal ruled that the investigation into Kanziga should be reopened.
The decision, issued on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, overturned a previous ruling by investigative judges on August 21, 2025, which had ordered the closure of the case due to what they described as insufficient evidence linking Kanziga to the crimes.
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