Kabuga's release looms as UN tribunal nears its end

Arusha.The specter of Felicien Kabuga's release hangs heavy over the closing stages of the United Nations Tribunal tasked with prosecuting the Rwandan genocide.

Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the Mechanism, hinted at this possibility during a recent update to the UN Security Council. With the completion of core trials and appeals, the Mechanism's "residual phase" is approaching, raising the difficult question of how to handle remaining issues, including Kabuga's fate.

Kabuga's case

Accused of being the architect of the 1994 Rwandan genocide that claimed nearly a million lives, Kabuga stands as a chilling symbol of the tragedy. Not only is he suspected of masterminding the killings, but also of bankrolling the massacre targeting the Tutsi minority.

After 25 years on the run, he was finally apprehended in Paris in 2020. Now 90 years old, he undergoes trial at the UN Detention Centre in The Hague. However, his deteriorating health has cast doubt on whether he will ever face justice.

Hints of release and unfulfilled promises

A recent appeal court decision suggesting Kabuga's "unfitness to stand trial" fueled speculation about his potential release. While the trial wasn't terminated, it remains indefinitely on hold, frustrating hopes for closure for victims and survivors.

Prosecutor Serge Brammertz acknowledged this deep dissatisfaction, lamenting that Kabuga may escape accountability. He urged the pursuit of other fugitives, a crucial step in ensuring justice even as the Kabuga case remains unresolved.

Challenges beyond Kabuga

The Mechanism faces additional hurdles as it winds down its operations. The fate of seven individuals under "de facto house arrest" in Niger highlights the complexities of post-judgment challenges. Moreover, the rising tide of genocide denial and revisionism poses a dangerous threat to the Tribunal's legacy.

Judge Santana emphasized the role of states in combating these trends, noting that "protecting the truth is the best way to prevent atrocities from occurring again."

Closing the chapter, Carrying the torch

As the sun sets on the UN Tribunal's Rwandan chapter, the battle for justice remains ongoing. Kabuga's potential release may leave a gaping wound, but it shouldn't overshadow the tireless efforts to hold other perpetrators accountable.

The story of Rwanda's genocide serves as a stark reminder of the dark depths of human cruelty. While scars may persist, the pursuit of truth and justice must continue, ensuring that the echoes of this tragedy never fade into oblivion.