Reactions and expectations after the announcement of the transfer of Kabuga to international justice

Text by: RFI Follow

French justice approved, Wednesday, June 3, the transfer of the Rwandan businessman Félicien Kabuga to international justice. The alleged financier of the genocide, arrested on May 16 after 26 years on the run, should therefore be tried in Arusha in Tanzania, where the ICTR sat. Félicien Kabuga wants to be tried in France, and he has already announced that he will appeal to the Court of Cassation.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Kigali, Laure Broulard

According to the Rwandan prosecutor's office, only the Residual Mechanism for international criminal tribunals is empowered to try Félicien Kabuga . He therefore welcomes the decision of the Paris Court of Appeal. Same reaction from the side of the National Commission to Combat Genocide, and its president Jean Damascène Bizimana, who considers this first step towards a trial in Arusha as a victory.

“  Justice will happen in Africa, not far from the place where the crimes were committed. This will facilitate travel for those who wish to participate in the trial. Above all, there are facilities for witnesses.  " 

► Read also: Genocide in Rwanda: the underside of the hunt for Félicien Kabuga

The association of Ibuka survivors meanwhile still hopes for a transfer to Rwanda. "  If it is returned to Rwanda for example, the question of reparations could be raised," said Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu , the president of the association . The international judicial system has not provided for the question of reparations to be raised. It was the case at the ICTR yesterday.  "

Appeal in cassation

In Kigali, we hope in any case a quick procedure so that Félicien Kabuga can be tried despite his advanced age and we are now awaiting a decision from the Court of Cassation which will have two months to rule.

Because the defense of Félicien Kabuga has decided to be able in cassation following the decision of France . Maître Bayon, his lawyer, did not say he was surprised, pointing to an "  extremely political context  ". And he claims that a transfer to Tanzania could be dangerous for his client. "  We believe today that a transfer to Arusha and the conditions of a transfer to Arusha would not allow him to survive, and as a result there is a trial at the end for both the victims and for him , he advances. And second, we believe that France would reserve more satisfactory conditions of impartiality for the nature of the trial. We will see how the Chamber of the Court of Cassation will rule . "

► Read also:  Genocide in Rwanda: green light for a transfer of Félicien Kabuga before a UN court

Newsletter Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

Follow all international news by downloading the RFI application

• Rwanda
• International justice
• France

On the same subject

Investigation

Genocide in Rwanda: the underside of the hunt for Félicien Kabuga

Genocide in Rwanda: green light for transfer of Félicien Kabuga to a UN court

The central question of the transfer of Félicien Kabuga to international justice