One of the world’s most wanted fugitives Félicien Kabuga, who is alleged to have been a leading figure in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda – was arrested in Paris by French authorities.
Kabuga was the most wanted of 11 genocide suspects sought by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), with a $5 million bounty on his head.
UN prosecutor said Saturday that Kabuga’s arrest is a “reminder” that genocide suspects will face justice.
“The arrest of Felicien Kabuga today is a reminder that those responsible for genocide can be brought to account, even 26 years after their crimes,” said Serge Brammertz, chief prosecutor of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals in The Hague.
He has been on the run for years since being indicted for his role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide that claimed more than 800,000 lives.
Kabuga was expelled from Switzerland in 1994, and spent some time in DR Congo before seeking refuge in Kenya, where he dodged several attempts to arrest him.
In 1998, an ICTR team raided a Nairobi house allegedly rented from a nephew of the former president and found a note indicating that the fugitive, who escaped arrest, had been tipped off by police.
Kabuga was co-founder and chairman of the Fonds de Défense Nationale, through which he is accused of funding the interim Rwandan government to execute the genocide.
He is said to have given logistical support to the Interahamwe militia by providing weapons and uniforms as well as transport.
Here is the full statement from UN prosecutor Serge Brammertz
The arrest of Félicien Kabuga today is a reminder that those responsible for genocide can be brought to account, even twenty-six years after their crimes.
Our first thoughts must be with the victims and survivors of the Rwandan genocide. Advocating on their behalf is an immense professional honor for my entire Office.
For international justice, Kabuga’s arrest demonstrates that we can succeed when we have the international community’s support. This result is a tribute to the unwavering commitment of the United Nations Security Council, which established the Mechanism to continue the accountability process in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
I would like to extend our appreciation to France and its law enforcement authorities, particularly the Central Office for Combatting Crimes Against Humanity, Genocide and War Crimes and the Office of the Procureur Général of the Paris Cour d’Appel. This arrest could not have been made without their exceptional cooperation and skill.
It is important to also recognize the many other partners whose contributions were essential, including law enforcement agencies and prosecution services from Rwanda, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United States, EUROPOL and INTERPOL.
This arrest demonstrates the impressive results that can be achieved through international law enforcement and judicial cooperation.
Earlier this year my Office visited the Ntarama genocide memorial in Rwanda to honour the memory of the victims and renew our commitment to justice. Today’s arrest underlines the strength of our determination.
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