Survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi would like to see Theonetse Niyongira, a fugitive deported from Malawi on June 11, eventually tried in the southwestern Rwanda locality where he committed the crimes he allegedly committed.
Niyongira, 60, was the subject of a National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) indictment and an international arrest warrant delivered to Malawi on April 15, 2019. The prosecution charged Niyongira with the crime of genocide against the Tutsi community, committed in the former Ndora Commune, Butare Préfecture.
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Ndora is a sector in Gisaraga district, southwestern Rwanda.
Jérôme Mbonirema, the head of Ibuka in Gisaraga district, on Tuesday, June 13, told The New Times that: "The survivors would really be more contented if he is brought here, in Ndora sector, to be judged for his crimes. People welcomed the news that he was deported from Malawi. We wish he could now come and explain everything he did here.”
Ibuka is the umbrella group of Genocide survivors’ associations.
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During the genocide, Niyongira, also known as Kanyoni, was a local tax collector in the former Ndora Commune, now Ndora sector.
Naphtal Ahishakiye, the Executive Secretary of Ibuka, pointed out that was particularly impressed that it was an African country that deported the genocide fugitive. He noted that despite the significant number of suspects hiding in various African nations, efforts in extraditing or trying these suspects have been slow.
Ahishakiye said: "Justice delayed is justice denied and it is good that he is brought home for justice to be served. It will be good now since it will be easier for survivors to follow the trial.”
As of June 2023, Rwanda has issued 1,148 indictments against genocide suspects in 33 countries and the Interpol Secretariat. At least 84 percent of these indictments were sent to 18 African countries.
In an interview, NPPA spokesperson Faustin Nkusi told The New Times that Niyongira is in the custody of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and standard procedures will be adhered to.
He said: "RIB has a five-day deadline to submit the file to the prosecution, as is usual, for it to be transferred to the court. After submission, the court will then determine the date of the hearing.”
Nkusi emphasized that Niyongira faces charges of committing genocide crimes in Ndora sector, a locality that was formerly a part of Butare prefecture, presently located in Gisagara District.
As noted, Niyongira is the tenth genocide suspect to be deported, extradited, or transferred to Rwanda from an African country, and the 30th worldwide.
Nkusi noted that 24 others were tried outside of Rwanda.
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Kigali has emphasized that justice for the victims and survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi is not merely about prosecution – it is about timely justice. Rwandan authorities continue to urge other African countries to show unity in the search and arrest of the remaining genocide fugitives in their states.
Nkusi underlined the importance of collaborative efforts between countries to bring the suspects to justice.
"We thank the authorities of the Republic of Malawi for the deportation and collaboration in the global effort to fight impunity. Such efforts serve as a message to those who are still at large. These actions also provide hope to the survivors, assuring them that it is indeed still possible to deliver justice no matter how much time has passed.”