On April 20, 1994, Queen Rosalie Gicanda was brutally murdered in Butare during the ongoing Genocide against the Tutsi, which continued to devastate the country. Her death came as a result of orders given by Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, a military officer at the École des Sous-Officiers (ESO) in Butare, and was carried out by various soldiers, including Lieutenant Bizimana (Rwatsi), Lieutenant Gakwerere, Corporal Aloys Mazimpaka, and Dr. Kageruka. Lieutenant Gakwerere, who was a soldier in the genocidal forces, played a significant role in supporting the genocidal regime and was directly involved in the killing of Queen Rosalie Gicanda.
Today, on March 1, 2025, the M23 rebel group handed over Brigadier General Gakwerere Ezechiel, the former Lieutenant in the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), along with 13 other FDLR fighters, to Rwanda. Gakwerere, who had served as the Secretary-General of the terrorist group FDLR, was one of the key figures responsible for coordinating the genocidal activities during the 1994 genocide. He continued to play a significant role in various violent activities after the genocide, including supporting armed groups and participating in conflicts against neighboring countries. Gakwerere was captured by M23 forces during fierce battles as they advanced towards Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Gakwerere and his 13 fellow fighters were handed over to Rwanda today, as M23, in accordance with their agreements, chose to cooperate with Rwanda in the search for individuals involved in the genocide and in holding them accountable for their actions. This handover took place during ongoing clashes between M23 and the FARDC (Congolese Army), as M23 forces were trying to seize control of Goma.
The handover of Gakwerere to Rwanda marks a significant moment in the fight for justice, as he is one of the major perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. He is expected to be held accountable for his direct involvement in the murder of Queen Rosalie Gicanda, as well as for his wider role in the genocidal campaign against the Tutsi population.
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) had previously convicted many of those involved in the genocide, and Rwanda has continued to seek justice for all individuals responsible for crimes committed during that time. The handover of Gakwerere to Rwanda signifies a step forward in the pursuit of justice, as the country continues to ensure that all perpetrators of the genocide are brought to account.
This development serves as a reminder of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and ensure that those who contributed to the atrocities of the 1994 genocide are brought to justice, despite the challenges and setbacks along the way. Rwanda’s legal and military institutions remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring accountability for the atrocities committed during the genocide against the Tutsi.
