Ngoga, German Prosecutor discuss Genocide fugitives

KIGALI - The State Prosecutor of German state of Schleswig-Holstein, Erhard Rex, is in the country for a two day visit to strengthen bilateral ties with the Rwanda National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA). During a meeting between Rex and Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga yesterday, the duo discussed how the existing ties between the two could be taken to another level. The meeting took place at National Public Prosecution Authority’s offices in Kigali. “Germany and Rwanda share the same history and we have been working with our counterparts for a long time now…the experience we are sharing is great to our country,” Ngoga said. During their talks, the two exchanged ideas on a wide range of mutually interesting issues, particularly agreeing that Genocide fugitives living in Germany should be brought to justice. Many fugitives responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi have reportedly been moving about scot-free in Germany, just like in other European countries. Germany is also currently home to Ignace Murwanashyaka, the leader of a militia force operating in the DRC and largely composed of elements responsible for the Genocide. “Though this is not in my powers, we are working closely with our partners and I think the fugitives will be brought to justice,” Rex said. During the press conference, Rex also said that he is very privileged to be in Rwanda for his maiden visit to Africa. “I have a great respect for the Rwandan Government and the people of Rwanda for the way they have managed to overcome the tragedy that befell them… the country has managed to develop so quickly,” he added. He specifically noted successful development of cooperation between both institutions in the field of criminal proceedings. “Our officials were the first to visit Germany last year and they shared good experience from our counterparts. It was now their turn to visit the country and see the progress we are making,” Ngoga said. The visit comes at a time when Rwanda recalled her ambassador from Berlin following the controversial arrest of the Director of State Protocol Rose Kabuye in German in November last year. Kabuye was arrested as a result of an arrest warrant issued by French judge Jean Louis Bruguiere who accused her and eight other senior officials in the country for allegedly playing a role in the shooting down of former president Juvenal Habyarimana’s plane. Ends