Despite several indictments issued by Rwanda against suspected perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, government is concerned that several African countries have done little or nothing in bringing the suspects to book.
According to the Minister of the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascene Bizimana, foreign countries' role in prosecuting genocide fugitives is commendable. "However, there is still a need for further efforts to enhance its productivity, especially in African countries."
He called on African nations to initiate the process of trying fugitives who are living in their countries.
"So far, no single African country has tried genocide suspects, although some have extradited them, including Uganda, DR Congo, and Malawi, among others. However, it is crucial for these countries to implement international agreements and try or extradite those who have fled to their territories," he noted.
Commenting on the achievement made, he pointed out that "in some countries, laws punishing genocide crimes have been initiated, whereas in the past, there were no such laws. The implementation of these laws is helpful as it allows those who have committed genocide to be brought to trial,"
Since 2000, there have been several genocide suspect trials in Belgium and France. In Belgium, more than 10 suspects have been tried, while in France, individuals such as Laurent Bukibaruta and Claude Muhayimana have been tried and convicted.
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There are also upcoming trials in France, including Philippe Hategakimana and Sosthène Munyemena, scheduled for November.
According to the numbers from Genocide Fugitives Tracking Unit (GFTU) operates under the National Public Prosecution Authority, released in 2021.
Of the 1,100 Genocide fugitives, 408 were in the neighboring DR Congo, 277 in Uganda; 63 in Malawi, 52 in Tanzania, 47 in France, 42 in Congo Brazzaville, and 40 in Belgium.
Other countries are Kenya where 35 Genocide suspects were believed to reside, 23 in America (USA), 18 in The Netherlands, Zambia harbours 15, Burundi hosts 15, Canada 14, Mozambique hosts 13, and 11 are in Central African Republic.
Also, 10 suspects were in Cameroon, seven in Norway, Sweden, and Gabon, each; Germany, the UK, and South Africa host five, each; and three were in Denmark, New Zealand, Ivory Coast, and Switzerland each.
Finally, two Genocide suspects were believed to be in Zimbabwe, two in Swaziland, while one was reported in Finland, Ghana, Benin, and Australia.
