Denying Genocide suspects citizenship is not enough

Sixteen years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, many who planned and executed it remain at large, and have not accounted for their crimes.  Several influential members of the Genocidal regime have gained permanent residence in developed countries of the west.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sixteen years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, many who planned and executed it remain at large, and have not accounted for their crimes.  Several influential members of the Genocidal regime have gained permanent residence in developed countries of the west.

Some have been tried for their crimes, but the majoritycontinue to enjoy freedom and privileges, which survivours of the Genocide can only dream of. The case of Seraphin Rwabukumba, who was among the masterminds of the genocide, illustrates how some of these killers, though denied citizenship in the countries where they reside, are still capable of funding the genocidaire network in the region.

He has been denied Belgian nationality, on account of his participation in the 1994 Genocide. However, like several other Genocidaires, Rwabukumba has enjoyed residence status in Belgium and continues to conduct income generating activities. This shows that despite being denied citizenship, he has not been brought to account for the crimes he committed in Rwanda.

The Genocidal cabal, having been left to live in freedom and with ability to generate revenues, continues to support the terrorist Forces for the Democratic Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), that continues to wreck havoc in the region. Steps should be taken to freeze their financial assets and capacity to earn.

Whereas denying citizenship is an important step, more needs to be done to check their ability facilitate war and massacres.

Ends