Burundi’s failure to convey these accountable for the 2004 Gatumba bloodbath to justice ought to be seen in opposition to its previous refusal to behave on Burundian genocide suspects who fled Rwanda, Tito Rutaremara has stated.
Rutaremara, a veteran politician and Chairperson of the Rwanda Elders Advisory Discussion board (REAF), made the remarks on Thursday, August 13, whereas addressing the Banyamulenge group gathered in Kigali to commemorate the twenty second anniversary of the bloodbath and honour its victims.
On August 13, 2004, armed attackers raided a UNHCR refugee camp in Gatumba, western Burundi, the place Congolese refugees had sought security from violence in South Kivu.
The assault killed 166 Banyamulenge refugees, largely ladies and kids, and injured 108 others.
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The victims have been focused due to their ethnic id, based on an investigation by UN. The investigation recognized PALIPEHUTU-FNL, FDLR, components of FARDC and Mai-Mai militias amongst these accountable, whereas PALIPEHUTU-FNL leaders brazenly claimed accountability within the media.
Twenty-two years later, no trial has been held over the bloodbath, leaving survivors and relations of the victims persevering with to demand justice.
Rutaremara stated Rwanda’s expertise with Burundi demonstrates clearly why the Banyamulenge have but to get justice from the Burundian authorities.
He famous that Burundi had refused to attempt or ship to Rwanda Burundians who participated within the 1994 Genocide in opposition to the Tutsi, which claimed the lives of multiple million lives.
Rutaremara stated Burundians who have been in Rwanda through the genocide additionally participated in killings in numerous a part of the nation earlier than fleeing again to Burundi.
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He stated Rwanda later offered the Burundian authorities with lists of names of a whole lot of suspects and sought their prosecution, however these efforts didn’t succeed.
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“You marvel when you’re going to get justice for Gatumba bloodbath. These Burundians dedicated genocide right here in Rwanda, they killed folks in Gatsibo, Bugesera, within the Southern Province, in addition to right here in Kigali, however we have been denied justice,” Rutaremara stated.
“We gave the Burundian authorities names, they’re of their a whole lot, we tried to make preparations with the federal government however they denied, and we’re nonetheless ready for justice.”
Rutaremara stated politics additionally stood in the way in which of accountability, notably the place pursuing suspects may implicate senior Burundian leaders.
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‘Justice will solely be served by the Banyamulenge’
The enchantment name for justice for Gatumba victims was made as Burundi has troops in jap DR Congo, the place they assist the Congolese armed forces in a battle that has focused Banyamulenge group.
Rutaremara stated the Banyamulenge mustn’t rely totally on the worldwide group or neighbouring international locations to hunt justice for the victims of Gatumba.
He drew parallels with Rwanda’s personal historical past, arguing that atrocities in opposition to Tutsi had been dedicated for many years earlier than 1994 with out receiving ample worldwide recognition or intervention.
“For the Gencode in opposition to the Tutsi to be recognised as genocide, it’s as a result of the RPA Inkotanyi worn the liberation battle. Had they misplaced the battle, the Genocide in opposition to the Tutsi would have by no means been acknowledged or talked about wherever,” Rutaremara stated.
He urged the Banyamulenge to take an lively position in defending their group, preserving their historical past and pursuing justice for these killed.
“Justice for the Banyamulenge persecuted over time can solely be served by the Banyamulenge group themselves. In the event you win the battle, then you’ll be able to honour your misplaced folks and pursue justice. It’s you who will present justice on your group.”
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Rutaremara additionally recalled the worldwide group’s failure to intervene through the 1994 Genocide in opposition to the Tutsi, offering the instance of the United Nations Safety Council which challenged the decision for assist from their peacekeepers who have been in Rwanda and didn’t act in time to guard these going through extermination.
“Get up and battle on your motherland, put good governance in place after which guarantee your historical past is recognised. Your historical past isn’t any totally different from that of Rwanda.”
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He stated Rwanda’s post-Genocide expertise demonstrated that survivors and affected communities additionally needed to push for mechanisms able to delivering justice.
“If Rwanda didn’t go for mechanisms akin to Gacaca courts, which tried two million circumstances, the worldwide group could not have arrested anybody. They discovered from Rwanda as we began to stretch the justice hand to them. The perpetrators would have walked free all over the world.”
“Justice was when RPA put Gacaca in place and adjudicated circumstances involving extra two million individuals who had dedicated genocide. In case you are ready for justice from Burundi, we’re additionally ready for justice.”
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Rutaremara additionally spoke in regards to the origins of genocide ideology within the Nice Lakes area, saying colonial rule launched divisions that have been later exploited by political leaders for their very own pursuits.
He known as on younger folks to take accountability for difficult genocide ideology and stopping it from persevering with to gasoline violence and persecution within the area.
