Theresidents of Gishamvu Sector in Huye District have welcomed the French judiciary’s decision to uphold the 27-year prison sentence imposed on Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo, saying the ruling strengthens their confidence that justice for victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi can be achieved, even beyond Rwanda’s borders.
On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, journalists affiliated with Pax Press, an association of media professionals promoting peace and reporting on international genocide trials, visited residents during a community assembly in Gasyankingi Village, Nyumba Cell, Gishamvu Sector, Huye district. The visit aimed to discuss the outcome of Rwamucyo’s appeal and hear the community’s views on the verdict.
During the dialogue, residents reflected on the recent ruling by the French Court of Appeal, which upheld the conviction and 27-year prison sentence handed to Dr. Rwamucyo after he was found guilty of participating in the genocide, complicity in genocide, and complicity in crimes against humanity.
A genocide survivor from Gishamvu described the appeal judgment as reassuring, noting that the sentence remained unchanged.
“We received the decision positively because the court confirmed the same punishment that had already been imposed. The 27-year sentence has been upheld, and we believe justice has been served,” the survivor said.
According to the former community leader, witnesses accused Rwamucyo of bringing heavy machinery to dig mass graves where victims were buried and of taking part in attacks that resulted in the killing of civilians gathered at a location locally known as “Celebration.”
He said the community feels encouraged that the evidence collected over the years contributed to the pursuit of justice.
“We are grateful that justice has finally prevailed. Seeing Rwamucyo lose both his initial trial and his appeal demonstrates that the international community is standing with Rwanda in ensuring that those responsible for genocide are held accountable. This reinforces our belief that such crimes must never happen again,” he said.
Gerard Rutazigwa, President of Ibuka in Gishamvu Sector, said the ruling sends a strong message that justice can reach perpetrators regardless of where they are prosecuted.
“This judgment assures residents that there are institutions working to defend victims and ensure that their voices are heard, even in France. It gives us confidence that accountability is possible,” said Gerard.
Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo was first convicted on October 30, 2024, by the Paris Criminal Court, which found him guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity and sentenced him to 27 years in prison. He appealed the judgment, with appeal hearings taking place from June 9 to July 17,2026. The French Court of Appeal ultimately upheld both the conviction and the original 27-year sentence.
For many residents of Gishamvu, the decision represents more than a legal victory. They say it reaffirms the importance of preserving the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi, combating impunity, and ensuring that justice continues to support reconciliation and lasting peace.
