Fulgence Kayishema, one of the most notorious fugitives of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was arrested in South Africa this week. This is an impressive stride in achieving justice for the Rwandan genocidaires.
The genocidaire Kayishema, who had a US$ 5 million bounty on his head, was indicted by the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) for his complicity in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kayishema, who was an inspector of the Judicial Police of Kivumu Commune during the Genocide, orchestrated the killing of an estimated 2000 Tutsis at Nyange Catholic Church in an inhumane way. He used a bulldozer to demolish the church, cracking down with people inside it.
In the aftermath of the Genocide, the genocidaire fled Rwanda and hid in several countries like, DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa using a false identity to remain in hiding.
Kayishema’s arrest shows continued efforts by collaborating countries to bring about justice, a commendable service to humanity, victims, and the justice system.
Today, of the 93 fugitives indicted by the ICTR, only Charles Sikubwabo, Aloys Ndimbati, and Charles Ryandikayo remain at large.
This step towards justice echoes that those responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi will be brought to account. Be it sooner or later!