Former Huye Official Apprehended for Concealing Genocide Evidence

The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has apprehended Consolation Tuyishime, a former Huye District councilor, on charges of suppressing critical information regarding the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The distressing discovery unfolded beneath a residence and crop plantation in Ngoma sector, Huye District.

The initial uncovering of six bodies transpired in October 2023 during the construction of a perimeter fence surrounding the estate owned by 86-year-old Jean Baptiste Hishamunda, who has also been detained in connection to the case.

Subsequent excavation efforts around the premises revealed more remains, prompting authorities to demolish the primary structure to facilitate further exhumation endeavors, leading to the discovery of additional bodies.

Further investigations extended to a nearby crop plantation owned by Mediatrice Uwimana, which has escalated the total count of unearthed bodies to 975 as of February 21.

Thierry Murangira, the RIB spokesperson, disclosed to The New Times on Wednesday, February 21, that Tuyishime was apprehended on Monday, February 19, following her resignation from the district council.

Tuyishime, concurrently serving as the site manager at Rukarara Hydropower station, was found to have overseen the construction of her mother’s residence, where the remains were found. Her mother, 61-year-old Seraphine Dusabemariya, inherited the property from Hishamunda.

“The case against Tuyishime is being meticulously compiled for submission to the prosecution,” Murangira stated.

Apart from Tuyishime, several other individuals have been detained for concealing pertinent information, including Petero Habimana (89), Mariani Musasangohe (50), Marie Josee Uwabega (53), and Mediatrice Uwimana (54). While Sifa Nyirakiromba (68) was released, the remaining suspects were arraigned in court and remanded for one month pending trial.

Dusabemariya, Musangangohe, and Uwabega are offspring of Jean Baptiste Hishamunda, whereas Habimana and Uwimana reside in proximity to Dusabemariya.

Testimonies have unveiled that the area where the bodies were unearthed was formerly inhabited by soldiers of the genocidal regime, among whom two are alleged to have perpetrated genocide crimes, including Hishamunda’s son, currently serving a sentence in Huye prison after admitting guilt.

Despite his admission, he withheld information about the victims’ remains interred in mass graves on his property. Murangira issued a stern caution to individuals still withholding genocide-related information, emphasizing the urgency of sharing such details to facilitate dignified burials for the victims.

Concealment of genocide evidence constitutes a severe offense under law n° 59/2018 on genocide ideology and related crimes, attracting imprisonment ranging from seven to nine years, coupled with fines ranging from Rwf500,000 to Rwf1,000,000.

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Source: The New Times.