The organisation of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Karongi District has reported that thousands of Genocide suspects have yet to be brought to justice. “There are more than 3,000 Genocide fugitives and most of them are outside Karongi. According to recent arrests, they are located in other districts such as Kirehe, Gicumbi, and elsewhere,” Vedaste Ngarambe, a representative of Ibuka in Karongi told The New Times. ALSO READ: Senate president urges FDLR, genocide perpetrators to return home Ngarambe said the scale of atrocities committed in the former Kibuye Prefecture contributed to the large number of fugitives still linked to the killings. “The efforts made in prosecuting Genocide suspects are substantial,” he said. “We appreciate the progress achieved so far because the justice delivered has helped survivors feel safer today. However, we continue to urge authorities to arrest the remaining suspects in hiding.” According to him, in the former Kibuye Prefecture, now part of Karongi District, an estimated 200,000 Tutsi were killed within just seven days during the Genocide against the Tutsi. “Kibuye had a large Tutsi population, and carrying out the killings involved many perpetrators and extensive coordination,” Ngarambe told The New Times. “Many people participated in the killings; some were arrested, while others remain in hiding or fled abroad.” This comes as district officials report 136 Genocide suspects who have been arrested since 2023. ALSO READ: Karongi continues exhumation of Genocide remains 32 years on Karongi District Mayor Gerald Muzungu explained that the recently arresed suspects include individuals previously convicted by Gacaca courts. Muzungu said the district continues to make “steady progress in tracking and arresting fugitives in hiding.” “Strong collaboration between local authorities, security organs, and citizens has been key in identifying individuals attempting to evade justice,” Muzungu told The New Times. “Awareness campaigns, community meetings, and commemoration activities have further strengthened public cooperation, resulting in increased information sharing and successful arrests.” The mayor noted that suspects are spread across different sectors of Karongi District. “Those suspected of participation in the Genocide must be brought before courts of law so that the truth is established and justice is served for both the victims who were killed and Genocide survivors,” he noted. “Citizens are urged not to hide, protect, or assist Genocide suspects in any way. Concealing fugitives or failing to report them is a punishable offense,” he added. Muzungu said continued cooperation with security organs is crucial to ensure that all suspects are brought to justice. He added that this would contribute lasting peace, unity, and resilience.
