During the trial of Félicien Kabuga, a witness testified that some Tutsi individuals attended meetings leading up to the genocide, hoping that influential figures like Kabuga would deliver speeches promoting peace and urging an end to violence. Instead, their hopes were shattered.
Identified as KAB085, the witness—a Tutsi who lived in Musave in 1994—recounted seeing Kabuga as the guest of honor at an MRND (National Revolutionary Movement for Development) rally in Musave. Kabuga was accompanied by the chairman of the CDR (Coalition for the Defence of the Republic). While the rally was ostensibly aimed at uniting Hutus and reconciling them with the MRND, Kabuga’s speech reportedly called for Hutus to unite and fight against their perceived enemy—the Tutsi.
When questioned by defense counsel Maître Altit about other political meetings in Kigali, the witness explained that such gatherings had been suspended due to the murders of two political figures, allegedly by Tutsi individuals. The MRND rally was held to encourage Hutu unity, but Kabuga’s speech led some Tutsi members of the MRND to leave the event.
Kabuga’s Trial and Charges
Kabuga’s trial commenced on September 29, 2022, in The Hague under the Residual Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals. The proceedings have faced delays due to Kabuga’s advanced age and fragile health, with instances of him skipping hearings or falling asleep in court.
Kabuga faces six charges: genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and three counts of crimes against humanity, including persecution on political grounds, extermination, and murder.
