Hategekimana served as a Gendarme in Nyanza during the Genocide and was accused of orchestrating deadly attacks against Tutsi civilians at Nyamure Hill, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and roadblocks in Nyanza.
He was also implicated in the murder of Narcisse Nyagasaza, the then Mayor of Ntyazo Commune, for attempting to help Tutsi escape to Burundi via the Akanyaru River.
In November 2024, Hategekimana launched an appeal, denying all charges and claiming that testimonies against him were fabricated. However, witnesses maintained their accounts, describing his direct involvement in the atrocities.
The Paris court dismissed his claims and reaffirmed the life sentence, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and his leadership role in promoting genocidal ideology.
Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, Rwanda's Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, welcomed the verdict, stating, 'Justice has been served at the Paris Assize Appeals Court.
Adjutant Philippe Hategekimana, alias Biguma, is unequivocally convicted of being a key perpetrator of the Genocide in Nyanza and its surrounding areas. Those he murdered have received justice.'
Jean Noé Mwizerwa, President of the Rwandan Community in France (CRF), highlighted the historical significance of the ruling, noting that it ended over 30 years of impunity. 'This verdict closes a chapter of impunity for Hategekimana, who sought refuge in France under a false identity and obtained citizenship over three decades ago,' he said.
Hategekimana, who acquired French citizenship in 2005, was arrested in Cameroon in 2018 and extradited to France. His trial began in September 2021.
According to the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), the court's decision is a testament to ongoing efforts to bring genocide perpetrators hiding abroad to justice.
Richard Gisagara, a lawyer representing the victims, affirmed, 'Philippe Hategekimana, alias Biguma, has been found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity in his appeal. His life imprisonment sentence has been upheld. Justice has prevailed! My thoughts are with those who perished in Nyanza, Ntyazo, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and beyond.'
He said this ruling reinforces the importance of holding individuals accountable for crimes of Genocide, ensuring justice for victims and survivors while deterring future atrocities.
IGIHE
