Dafroza Gauthier, a prominent figure in the fight for justice in Rwanda, passed away on October 3, 2026, at the age of 72. Her death was announced on Saturday, with reports indicating that she died from illness. Gauthier was a co-founder of the Collectif des parties civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR), an organization that worked to gather evidence and testimony in Rwanda and prepare cases for French courts to prosecute those accused of genocide.
Gauthier and her husband, Alain Gauthier, established the CPCR in 2001, with the goal of holding accountable those responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi population in Rwanda. Through their work, they collected testimony and evidence, prepared case files, and presented them to French judicial authorities. Their efforts led to the prosecution of several individuals accused of genocide, including Eugène Rwamucyo, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison in 2024 for his role in the genocide.
Gauthier's advocacy work extended beyond the courtroom. She and her husband also worked to educate people about the genocide and its impact on Rwanda. They visited schools and universities, teaching about the genocide and combating denial. Their work was recognized by the Rwandan government, which awarded them a national medal of honor in 2017. President Paul Kagame presented them with the Impeta y'Ishimwe medal, acknowledging their contributions to promoting justice and accountability.
Gauthier's personal experience with the genocide had a profound impact on her life's work. She was born in Butare in 1954 and witnessed the early stages of the genocide against the Tutsi population. Her father was killed in a 1963 massacre when she was just nine years old. She later fled Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, settling in France, where she met and married Alain.
Gauthier's commitment to justice was fueled by her personal losses during the genocide. In 1994, she returned to Kigali to visit her family but was forced to flee after her mother warned her of the danger. She attempted to persuade her relatives to leave with her, but they refused. Tragically, 80 members of her family, including her mother, Suzana Mukamusoni, were killed during the genocide.
In the years following the genocide, Gauthier dedicated herself to advocating for justice and accountability. She worked tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for the genocide were brought to trial. Her efforts, along with those of her husband, were documented in a 2023 book titled Rwanda, à la poursuite des génocidaires, which chronicles their work and the impact it had on promoting justice.
Gauthier's legacy as a champion of justice and human rights will continue to inspire others. Her work with the CPCR and her advocacy efforts have left a lasting impact on the pursuit of accountability for genocide crimes. Her dedication to ensuring that those responsible for atrocities are held accountable serves as a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Key points
- Dafroza Gauthier, a Rwandan genocide survivor and advocate for justice, has died at the age of 72.
- Gauthier co-founded the Collectif des parties civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR), which worked to gather evidence and testimony in Rwanda and prepare cases for French courts.
- Her advocacy work led to the prosecution of several individuals accused of genocide, including Eugène Rwamucyo, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison in 2024.
