Rwanda Authorities Arrest Suspected Genocide Perpetrator After 23 Years in Hiding

On May 16, 2024, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrested Emmanuel Ntarindwa, a 51-year-old suspected perpetrator of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Ntarindwa had been hiding in a neighbor's house in Nyanza District for 23 years.

Ntarindwa was apprehended along with his 53-year-old neighbor, Eugenie Mukamana, who is accused of failing to report his presence. The arrest took place at Mukamana's house in the Busasamana Sector of Nyanza District, where Ntarindwa had been living since 2001.

Ntarindwa fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after committing genocide in 1994. He returned to Rwanda in 2001 and sought refuge at Mukamana's home, where he hid for over two decades. During this time, he dug a pit in one of the rooms to conceal himself.

During interrogation, Ntarindwa confessed to committing genocide and admitted to killing numerous individuals in the former Kigoma and Nyabisindu communes of the current Nyanza District. Both Ntarindwa and Mukamana are currently detained at the Busasamana RIB Station in Nyanza District, awaiting the processing of their files for prosecution.

Dr. Murangira B Thierry, RIB spokesperson, stated, "On May 16, 2024, RIB arrested two individuals, one suspected of committing genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, and the other accused of concealing the crime of genocide."

The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi lasted over 100 days, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1 million people, mainly from the Tutsi minority and moderate Hutus. The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) eventually intervened to end the killings.

This arrest marks a significant development in Rwanda's efforts to bring perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide to justice.

Why this matters: The arrest of a suspected perpetrator of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who had evaded justice for over two decades, demonstrates Rwanda's ongoing commitment to holding those responsible accountable. This development is significant as it contributes to the country's efforts to heal and reconcile after the devastating events of the genocide.

Key Takeaways

• Rwanda Investigation Bureau arrests 51-year-old Emmanuel Ntarindwa, suspected of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
• Ntarindwa hid in a neighbor's house in Nyanza District for 23 years, digging a pit to conceal himself.
• He confessed to committing genocide, killing numerous individuals in former Kigoma and Nyabisindu communes.
• Ntarindwa's neighbor, Eugenie Mukamana, was also arrested for failing to report his presence.
• The arrest marks a significant development in Rwanda's efforts to bring perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide to justice.