Editorial

The West must do more to apprehend Genocide suspects

Rwandans on Saturday started the week-long commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

It is 18 years since the Genocide, however, the number of Genocide suspects freely living in Western capitals is appallingly high.

Rwanda has issued hundreds of indictments and arrest warrants to Western governments to ensure genocide fugitives are apprehended, but few or in some cases none have been acted upon.

The Genocide is not a Rwandan issue as it affects the whole humanity.

It is not only an insult to the Rwandan people that the suspects are free, but also a show of double standards on the part of the West who will stop at nothing to ensure criminals who committed acts of terror on their soil are brought to justice, wherever they may be.

As President Kagame pointed out in his address at the commemoration event, it is as if Rwandan lives are of less value. This attitude is unacceptable and must be rejected by all means.

Those who harbor Genocide suspects must acknowledge the magnitude of the crime allegedly committed and should do everything to ensure they are brought to justice.

Comments

President Kagame's statement that "it is as if Rwandan lives are of less value" really affected me. It hurts me that Rwandans would ever think that their lives are insignificant. I want all Rwandans to know that your lives, and the lives of those who died during the genocide, are very valuable. Never doubt that! The world has a lot to learn from the Rwandan people about survival, reconciliation, forgiveness and the will to make their country a shining star in the heart of Africa. Rwandans are strong, resilient, proud and dignified. I have deep admiration for the Rwandan people. Stand tall and tell your stories to the world, they need to be heard.