Last week the Rwandan community and friends of Rwanda from across Yorkshire and the North of England came together in Leeds to mark the 29th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Rwandans around the world are currently commemorating the over one million killed during the Genocide. From April 7 to July 4, the 100 days of the Genocide, we mourn the victims, stand with survivors and recommit to making ‘Never Again’ a reality. In The Hague, one alleged key financier of the genocide, Félicien Kabuga is standing trial accused of establishing what prosecutors describe as the most powerful weapon in the genocide's execution, the RTLM hate radio station, among other charges related to the Genocide. Now 90, Kabuga has been diagnosed with dementia, and we are praying that he isn’t declared medically unfit to stand trial, while under the presumption of innocence. For the victims of the genocide, justice does not provide closure, closure simply does not exist. However, the truth enables reconciliation, and it permits victims to start their journey of healing. In the Western world, the US, Canada, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, The Netherlands, France have tried alleged genocidaires, or extradited, or deported them to Rwanda to stand trial. In the UK, five alleged genocidaires, whose names and the communities they live in are known, against whom there is sufficient evidence for them to be put to their defence, have not been put on trial. Rwandan authorities have cooperated in every way possible with their UK counterparts and the ongoing investigations. We know that it takes time to prepare such cases, but after 29 years each passing day is one too many. All we seek is that these men have their day in court, that justice is permitted to take its course before it’s too late. It's important to ensure that this process is delayed no longer, lest it becomes justice denied. Perpetrators in hiding and their sympathisers can freely spread their evil ideology, which is devoted to ethnic extremism and division. In the 29 years since 1994, Rwandans have reclaimed unity, and we fiercely guard against succumbing to ethnic bigotry ever again. Today, all Rwandan citizens identify as Rwandans, our tribal and ethnic labels are no longer a basis for division or access to any public service or opportunity. We must remember that tackling the impunity of Genocide fugitives is essential in uprooting hateful ideology from communities. The perpetrators who remain at large spread Genocide denial and seek to minimise their crimes and revise history. As Rwandans, we are grateful to all those who joined us, in various ways, on our journey of reconciliation and healing over the last 29 years. We are doubly thankful to countries who have extradited or tried alleged genocide suspects. I call on the UK and the relevant UK institutions to stand up and wipe away the lingering stain that the impunity of these men leaves on the pages of our relationship. The hate of the genocide perpetrators and the ideology they promote will be met with the unity and love of Rwandans at home and in the UK. I witnessed first hand the strength and unity of our community in Yorkshire. Johnston Busingye is the High Commissioner for Rwanda to the UK. This article was first published in the Yorkshire Post, a UK-based publication.
