Jean-Luc Habyarimana, son of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana, has been repeatedly seen on social media spreading propaganda in support of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group opposed to the Rwandan government, while rejecting international calls for its dismantling.
According to African Facts, an investigative organization committed to accurate reporting on Africa, a five-year probe into the Habyarimana family revealed that Jean-Luc’s online statements align with real-world connections. Findings show that Jean-Luc, his mother Agathe Kanziga, and other family members maintain close ties with FDLR leaders and members of CNRD-FLN.
The investigation began on June 3, 2020, after Léon Habyarimana—Jean-Luc’s brother—was spotted alongside former FDLR Executive Secretary Callixte Mbarushimana at a Paris Appeals Court hearing on the extradition of Félicien Kabuga. Mbarushimana is wanted for his alleged role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Observers suspected a pre-existing relationship between the two men, prompting African Facts to begin collecting evidence.
Links to Key Genocide Suspects and FDLR Founders
Retired Maj. Gen. Paul Rwarakabije stated in a 2008 report on France’s role in the genocide that during her years in exile, Agathe Kanziga received substantial funding from French intelligence agency DGSE to support the FDLR, channeling the money to Col. Aloys Ntiwiragabo, one of the group’s founders.
When French Gendarmerie searched Kanziga’s home in 2016, they found Ntiwiragabo’s phone number in her address book, confirming over 16 years of contact. Ntiwiragabo had been living in Orléans, France, since 2006.
In 2011, Ntiwiragabo’s wife founded the Association des Rwandais de l’Agglomération Orléanaise (ARAO). From 2016, Kanziga’s nephew’s daughter, Clémentine—also the daughter of Protais Zigiranyirazo—served on ARAO’s board. Five other members were found to have close links with Kanziga.
Investigators later accessed a computer from Jean-Luc’s residence, discovering messages from Léon referencing “Omar” and “Orléans.” “Omar” was Ntiwiragabo’s alias when he lived in Sudan and helped establish the FDLR.
High-Profile Guests and Funding Networks
Documents revealed a guest list for a 2012 gathering at the Habyarimana home, attended by former regime figures, some convicted of genocide crimes, including Jean-Chrysostome Nyirurugo. Belgian police records link Nyirurugo to fundraising for the PDR political party, part of the MRCD coalition founded by Paul Rusesabagina. The FLN militia—armed wing of MRCD—launched deadly attacks near Nyungwe National Park in 2018 and 2019 and remains active in Burundi’s Kibira forest.
Kanziga’s notes also contained the phone number of Gen. Janvier Mayanga, a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army officer who coordinated military operations between the Congolese army, the FDLR, and Wazalendo militias in Masisi territory. UN experts have linked Mayanga to armed group collaboration since 2008.
In December 2023, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi appointed Mayanga as intelligence coordinator for Wazalendo forces shortly after the militia was integrated into the Congolese army reserves, strengthening its alliance with the FDLR.
Secret Visit to Kinshasa and RDC’s Controversial Refugee Plan
In early June 2024, Jean-Luc made a secret trip to Kinshasa, meeting individuals close to President Tshisekedi and DRC security officials. Though his exact mission was undisclosed, sources suspect it was related to FDLR support.
One month later, Tshisekedi’s office announced plans to receive Rwandans temporarily hosted in Niger, including Captain Innocent Sagahutu, who attempted to join the FDLR in 2017. The plan was abruptly canceled after a signed letter from presidential chief of staff Antony Nkinzo Kamole was leaked to the public.
