Pierre Kayondo, a man suspected of active participation in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, was recently arrested by French authorities. Aged around 70, Kayondo had lived for many years in Le Havre, in Normandy. This arrest follows a complaint filed by the Collective of Civil Parties of Rwanda, which has been tracking suspected genocidaires in France for more than two decades.
According to testimonies collected by the Collective, Pierre Kayondo played an active role in organizing the exterminations in Ruhango and Tambwe, in Gitarama prefecture. As prefect and deputy, he is said to have trained interahamwe militia groups, provided weapons and participated in meetings aimed at coordinating massacres. In addition, he also allegedly had responsibilities in the management of Mille Collines radio, which called for violence against the Tutsis.
The arrest of Pierre Kayondo marks progress in the fight against the impunity of Rwandan genocidaires living in France. The country is in fact exercising its universal jurisdiction to judge these crimes, although the civil parties deplore the delay taken by French justice. Several other Rwandan cases are currently under investigation, and the trial of former gendarme Philippe Hategekimana as well as that of doctor Sosthène Munyemana are upcoming.
The Collective of Civil Parties of Rwanda welcomes this arrest, considering that it makes it possible to put an important part of the Rwandan genocide out of harm’s way. The testimonies collected in Rwanda and the evidence provided in the complaint filed against Kayondo attest to his serious role in the massacres perpetrated against the Tutsis.
This arrest recalls the importance of international justice in the fight against crimes against humanity. Although genocides may seem a long time ago, it is essential to prosecute the perpetrators of these atrocities in order to establish the truth, provide justice for the victims and prevent further genocides in the future.
In conclusion, the arrest of Pierre Kayondo in France constitutes a significant step in the prosecution of Rwanda’s alleged genocidaires. This action demonstrates the commitment of French justice to fight against impunity and provide justice to victims. It is essential to continue supporting these efforts so that those responsible for crimes against humanity are brought to justice and victims obtain reparation.