Rwanda genocide prime suspect taken to court

It later emerged that the Kinshasa authorities deliberately delayed extradition until the money is paid. Some analysts believe the cash prizes could motivate several countries where the figitives have taken refuge to carry out the arrests.

The cash prize

The cash prize was initiated by the US in order to support the pursuit of criminals accountable for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law under the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsis.

It is paid to whoever leads to the arrest or conviction at ICTR of the wanted fugitive by giving information and directing investigators to their hide outs anywhere in the world.  Such operations are normally carried out by ICTR tracking teams in collaboration with Interpol and security forces in the host countries.

However, payment process is so discreet and names of beneficiaries often kept top secret. Uganda is said to have moved to claim the $5m reward for the arrest of Nizeyimana.

But several key perpetrators of the Rwanda genocide, during which nearly one million people were massacred, say several of them remain at large despite warrant of arrests having been issued globally.  These include the most sought after of all, Felicien Kabuga, whom the Arusha-based ICTR has repeatedly insisted he was hiding in Kenya, a claim Kenya has denied, Augustine Bizima, Fulgence Kayishema, Protais Mpiranya and Bernard Munyagisheri.

Others are Phareas Munyarugarama, Aloyce Ndimbati, Ladislaus Ntaganzwa, Charles Ryandikayo, Charles Sikubwaho and Jean Bosco Uwinkindi.

The killings were well organised and by the time they started, the Rwandan militia numbered around 30,000 — one militia member for every 10 families.

Militia members

Some militia members were able to acquire AK-47 assault rifles by completing requisition forms. Other weapons, such as grenades, required no paperwork and were widely distributed.

Many members of the Interahamwe and Impuzamugambi were armed only with machetes.

One Rwandan official revealed in his testimony before the International Criminal Tribunal, that the genocide was openly discussed in Cabinet meetings and that “one Cabinet minister said she was personally in favour of getting rid of all Tutsi; without the Tutsi, she told ministers, all of Rwanda’s problems would be over.”

On the local level, the genocide’s planners included Burgomasters, or mayors, and members of the police.

Government leaders communicated with figures among the population to form and arm militias called Interahamwe, “those who stand (fight, kill) together”, and Impuzamugambi, “those who have the same (or a single) goal”.