Suspected Rwandan killers could be allowed to remain in South Africa indefinitely, reports Mungo Soggot
THE Rwandan government is monitoring two war criminals who are living in South Africa, and it believes there could be more lurking among the many Rwandan refugees in this country.
But the absence of an extradition treaty between South Africa and Rwanda could allow the suspected killers to remain in this country indefinitely.
Rwandan ambassador to South Africa Eliphaz Karenzi said this week the two men were responsible for “scores of deaths” while they abused their positions in the former military regime.
The Rwandan government is waiting for the South African government to enact an extradition treaty with Rwanda so the war criminals can be shipped to Kigali. Karenzi said the South Africans had initially suggested a treaty and Rwanda had eagerly agreed.
However, a foreign affairs representative told the Mail & Guardian the government had no plans for a new treaty. An extension of a 1911 treaty with Belgium still exists, but has doubtful legal status.
Karenzi said his government had gathered evidence of the war criminals’ deeds from the families of the murdered victims. He declined to divulge details of the two men, but said his government knew where they were living.
“They are living a normal life. At an opportune moment we will call on the South African government to ensure these people are brought to justice.” He added that the South African Police had so far co- operated with his government.
Karenzi said Zambia was the first African country to arrest Rwandans responsible for the slaughter in the central African state. Four men collared there were sent before Judge Richard Goldstone at the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague.
Most of the war criminals are living in Zaire and Kenya, which cut off diplomatic relations with Kigali a month ago in the wake of Rwanda’s insistence that the criminals be returned. Many of the leading killers are now based in Nairobi, where they are “enjoying themselves”, Karenzi said. “It is only a matter of time … The United Nations tribunal is likely to put pressure on Kenya to [hand over] … these criminals.”
A lawyer specialising in international affairs said if the tribunal decided to investigate these men, South Africa could be obliged to co-operate in terms of international law. However, if the Rwandan government wants them, an extradition treaty will be essential. The tribunal is generally handling the “big fish” and the Rwandan government is tracking the rest, he said.
Back in Rwanda, Karenzi added, the prisons are overflowing with the many thousands of war criminals picked up so far. Apart from its efforts to bring back refugees from Burundi and Zaire, the government is concentrating on preparing to rebuild Rwanda with the help of $2-billion in pledged aid.
Karenzi said a number of South African companies have expressed interest in helping with the country’s reconstruction. One South African construction company is already involved in rebuilding the country’s roads, while a consortium of health care companies hastaken over management of a major hospital.