In a significant development, Fulgence Kayishema, a suspected mastermind behind the Rwandan genocide, has been arrested in South Africa. The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), responsible for prosecuting war crimes committed during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, confirmed the apprehension on Thursday, May 25.
Kayishema stands accused of orchestrating the massacre of approximately 2,000 Tutsi refugees at the Nyange Catholic Church. His capture brings hope that justice will finally be served for the countless victims of this horrific event. The IRMCT has been tirelessly working to locate Kayishema, who had been evading authorities since 2001.
IRMCT prosecutor Serge Brammertz has expressed satisfaction with the arrest,.
In his words:
“Fulgence Kayishema was a fugitive for more than twenty years. His arrest ensures that he will finally face justice for his alleged crimes.”
Kayishema had been indicted by the United Nations’ International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 2001. The charges against him include: genocide and crimes against humanity, particularly in the Kibuye Prefecture.
The successful operation to apprehend Kayishema involved an extensive investigation spanning multiple countries in Africa and beyond. The cooperation and support from South African authorities, played a pivotal role in this breakthrough.
The Rwanda tribunal, which has its headquarters in Tanzania, concluded the case in 2008. Subsequently, the IRMCT was established to handle any remaining unfinished business. In 2007, the tribunal referred Kayishema’s case to Rwanda after the country abolished the death penalty.
