Rwanda genocide fugitives now on authorities’ radar

Arusha. Investigative activities have generated crucial leads that could see the arrest of the remaining fugitives of the Rwanda genocide of 1994.

The UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism) says it needs the cooperation of states to accomplish the task.

The eight remaining fugitives were indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) which closed business in December, 2015.

Among the eight is the most sought fugitive still at large is Felicien Kabuga, a former Rwandan businessman who has a $5 million price tag placed on his head. The others include Pheneas Munyarugarama, Fulgence Kayishema, Charles Sikuwabo, Ladislaus Ntaganzwa, Alloyes Ndimbati and one Ryandikayo.

Nearly one million people were killed during genocide between April 6, 1994 and July, 1994 triggered by the killing of former Rwanda President Juvenal Habyarimana.

By the time it closed business nearly three years ago, the Tribunal (ICTR) had convicted 61 fugitives and acquitted 14 those still at large believed to be hiding within the region.

But the Mechanism Prosecutor Serge Brammez said there were "actionable leads" from intelligence sources that the fugitives can be found.

"Intelligence and investigative activities have generated actionable leads in relation to the search of the remaining fugitives," he told the United Nations Security Council in New York on Tuesday, December 11.

He nevertheless emphasized: "In order for us to complete this residual function as expeditiously as possible, state cooperation remains essential."

He added that his office was firmly focused on completing its remaining functions efficiently and effectively, including by investigating and prosecuting interference with witnesses and contempt of court.

The prosecutor also briefed the UN Security Council on the recently indicted five Rwandan nationals for contempt of court.

The five are also accused of incitement to commit contempt of court by interfering with witnesses in order to overturn the conviction of one Augustine Ngirabatware. 

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism) was established by UN Security Council Resolution 1966 (2010) to complete the remaining work of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia after the completion of their respective mandates. The Mechanism has two branches, one in Arusha, Tanzania, and another in The Hague, Netherlands.