Africa-Press – Rwanda. The National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) on August 8 received François Gasana, a fugitive wanted in Rwanda for his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, following his extradition from Norway.
Gasana, who had been living in Norway under the name Franky Dusabe, was handed over to Rwandan authorities at Kigali International Airport. This came after all his efforts to avoid extradition in the Norwegian court system failed.
Who’s François Gasana?
Born in 1972 in Bitabage Cell, Ndaro Sector, Ngororero District, Gasana was a student during the Genocide, after which he fled Rwanda.
In 2007, he was tried in absentia and found guilty of Genocide crimes by the Nyange Gacaca Court. The court sentenced him to 19 years in prison for his direct participation in killings, including the murder of a Tutsi child, and for inciting others to commit genocide.
Faustin Nkusi, spokesperson of NPPA, speaks to reporters on Friday, August 8, as John Bosco Siboyintore, head of NPPA’s Genocide Fugitive Tracking Unit looks on.
According to Faustin Nkusi, spokesperson for NPPA, Gasana committed the crimes in the former Kivumu Commune, Murambi Sector, where he lived at the time.
“He not only took part in the killings himself but also incited others to do the same. These are serious crimes of genocide that he must answer for in Rwandan courts,” Nkusi told reporters on Friday, after Gasana had been arrested by Rwandan authorities.
Gasana was arrested in Oslo in October 2022, following an investigation by Norway’s National Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos). His extradition was approved by the Oslo District Court in September 2023, a decision upheld by the appellate court in April 2024. The Norwegian Supreme Court dismissed Gasana’s final appeal against extradition in June 2024.
Rwanda-Norway cooperation
Nkusi commended Norway for its cooperation in the extradition and broader efforts to fight impunity, especially in bringing Genocide fugitives to book.
“We are grateful for the continued collaboration with Norwegian judicial authorities. This extradition underscores their commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of heinous crimes do not find safe havens,” Nkusi said.
François Gasana, a Rwandan national wanted wanted for his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, was extradited from Norway on Friday, August 8. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Norway has previously cooperated with Rwanda on similar cases. In 2013, the country extradited Charles Rubangura, who is currently serving a 30-year sentence at Mpanga Correctional Facility in Nyanza District.
Norwegian courts also tried and convicted genocide suspect Sadi Bugingo in 2013, sentencing him to 19 years.
“These cases reflect a strong partnership in the fight against international crimes and impunity. We look forward to continued cooperation as we pursue other pending cases,” Nkusi added.
Four other genocide-related cases are currently under review between Rwandan and Norwegian authorities, the official said.
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