Dafroza died on October 3, 2026. She is widely remembered for her significant role in helping bring to justice individuals suspected of participating in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who had sought refuge in France, a mission she pursued alongside her husband, Alain Gauthier.
She was born in 1954 in the former Butare Prefecture in Rwanda. She met Alain Gauthier while he was working as a teacher in Rwanda, and the two later married in France. They had three children together.
The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi took place while Dafroza was in France. The tragedy left her devastated, as approximately 80 members of her family were killed.
This painful history inspired Dafroza and Alain to begin seeking justice for genocide victims in 1996. In 2001, they founded the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), an organization dedicated to helping bring those responsible for the genocide to justice.
CPCR’s work involved tracing the whereabouts of suspected genocide perpetrators living in France, gathering evidence and witness testimonies concerning crimes committed, and submitting the findings to judicial authorities to request investigations.
In recognition of their dedication, President Paul Kagame awarded Dafroza and Alain Gauthier the National Order of Friendship, known as the Igihango, on November 18, 2017. The honour recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting cooperation between countries.
The farewell ceremony began in the morning at Saint André Church in Reims, followed by burial in the afternoon. Family members, friends and officials attended the ceremony.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, extended his condolences to Dafroza’s family, describing her as an important figure whose legacy of fighting for justice would continue to be remembered.
On behalf of the Rwandan Government and the people of Rwanda, he also delivered a message from President Paul Kagame to Dafroza’s family.
In his message, President Kagame said: “On behalf of the Government and the people of Rwanda, and in my own name, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working with her. May she rest in peace.”
President Kagame added that Rwandans would always remember Dafroza for her determination to ensure that those responsible for the genocide were brought to justice.
“Dafroza will always remain in our hearts for her unwavering commitment to fighting impunity for those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. For more than 30 years, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to restoring dignity to the victims of the genocide and to survivors,” he said.
The President said Rwanda deeply appreciated Dafroza’s important work, which would continue through CPCR, the organization she co-founded with Alain. He added that her dedication had set an example for Rwandans and future generations.
