Kayishema, once one of the most wanted fugitives by the IRMCT for his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, was apprehended in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 24, 2023, following an extensive investigation by intelligence agencies.
However, the Cape Town court is still reviewing his case to determine whether he should be handed over to the IRMCT, which issued a warrant for his arrest. The mechanism intends to transfer him to Rwanda for trial.
In his report to the United Nations Security Council on December 10, 2024, Brammertz highlighted the ongoing efforts of the IRMCT to bring to justice those responsible for genocide crimes, both in Rwanda and Yugoslavia.
He specifically addressed the situation concerning Kayishema, who has been detained in South Africa for over a year and a half, with his transfer to the Mechanism still pending.
'Fulgence Kayishema still remains in South Africa, where he is contesting his transfer to the Mechanism's custody in Arusha and ultimately to Rwanda for trial. He has further announced his intention to seek revocation of the transfer of his case to Rwanda.
"Concluding this matter depends on South Africa fulfilling its international obligations to hand Kayishema over to the Mechanism,' Brammertz stated.
Kayishema, who had evaded capture for years under various aliases, including posing as a Burundian and Malawian citizen, is facing charges related to genocide and crimes against humanity.
He is accused of conspiring to exterminate the Tutsi population in Kivumu Commune, where he played a key role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including the notorious attack on the Nyange Parish.
Brammertz also provided updates on other ongoing cases, such as those involving Gerard Ntakirutimana, Kayishema, and Félicien Kabuga.
He emphasized the rejection of Ntakirutimana's appeal, which was based on new evidence suggesting potential tampering of witness testimonies.
Brammertz reiterated that his office would maintain its commitment to the integrity of investigations, despite efforts to manipulate testimony.
Brammertz also underscored the continued efforts to apprehend remaining genocide fugitives, noting that over 1,000 individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are still at large, with investigations into crimes in Yugoslavia also ongoing.
IGIHE
