EAC states urged to arrest Genocide suspects

The East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Dr Richard Sezibera, has called upon member countries of the bloc to capture the suspects of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who are still roaming within the region and bring them to justice.Dr Sezibera said this in Arusha, Tanzania while addressing about 1,000 people attending the 18th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC). The occasion, which was organised by the Rwandan Diaspora in Arusha, was preceded by a prayer service conducted by various Christian and Muslim leaders.“I call upon member states to bring the suspects to justice,’’ he urged, stressing that Genocide was a crime against humanity that needed their collective efforts to fight it.He noted that Rwanda almost ceased to exist as a nation in 1994, and paid special tribute to the neighbouring countries that showed solidarity during that difficult time.The EAC chief requested Africa and the world at large to focus on supporting survivors, who apart from being traumatised by the aftermath of Genocide, need assistance to cope with their bad memories.Dr Sezibera also asked the UN to endorse Rwanda to host the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) archives on case proceedings and documentation as the tribunal winds up its business. The UN has already set an International Residual Mechanism (IRM), which is charged with hosting the remaining work of the two tribunals that include ICTR and the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY).Speaking at the same occasion, ICTR Prosecutor Hassan Bubacar Jallow, appealed to countries within the Great Lakes Region to apprehend Genocide fugitives in their countries.“I urge all states in the Great Lakes Region to live up to their legal obligations by arresting and handing over Genocide fugitives to Rwanda for prosecution,’’ he said. On April 19, the ICTR transferred to Rwanda Genocide suspect, Jean Bosco Uwinkindi, while nine other ICTR indicted suspects remain on the run.Acting Mayor Matthysen Paul of Arusha City implored the EAC and the African Union to strongly uphold the “Never Again to Genocide” clarion call.

National

EAC states urged to arrest Genocide suspects