The umbrella organization for genocide survivors' associations, Ibuka, along with the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to convict and sentence former teacher Wenceslas Twagirayezu for his role in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The 56-year-old was sentenced on July 31 by the Court of Appeal in Kigali to 20 years in prison. He was found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity. This decision overturns a previous acquittal by the High Court Chamber for International Crimes (HCCIC) based in Southern Province.

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Philibert Gakwenzire, the President of Ibuka, told The New Times that genocide survivors were shocked by the initial acquittal but remained hopeful due to the possibility of an appeal. The prosecution’s appeal later brought relief, especially to people in areas where Twagirayezu committed the crimes.

"Upon his acquittal, the survivors were not happy with the court’s decision, but we assured them that there was room for an appeal. Since the start of the appeals process, many have been requesting updates on the case and have welcomed yesterday’s verdict to finally convict and sentence him,” said Gakwenzire.

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Gakwenzire added that while they are glad justice was served, they hoped for a life sentence based on the various testimonies submitted. Even so, he said, they trust the court’s decision.

Prosecution spokesperson Faustin Nkusi echoed these sentiments, stating, "We have welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal, which overturned the High Court’s decision.”

Nkusi noted that the prosecution’s initial request was for life imprisonment, expressing dissatisfaction with the High Court's decision, which led to the appeal.

Twagirayezu, who was a teacher at College Baptiste Gacuba II in Gisenyi (now Rubavu District), was accused of participating in killings on April 7, 8, and 9, 1994, in different parts of Gisenyi, including Busasamana and Gacamena, where many Tutsi perished. He was extradited from Denmark in 2018 following an indictment and subsequent arrest warrant issued by the Rwandan prosecution.