The French court sentenced him to 24 years in prison on December 20, 2023, for crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity and participation in a conspiracy to prepare the said crimes in southern Rwanda’s Huye District.

While acknowledging the delayed trial due to accusations dating back to 1995, Dr. Gakwenzire emphasized the positive step of sentencing him.

He highlighted that justice had been served and that the verdict marked progress, considering the historical lack of trials against genocide suspects in France from 1995 to 2014.

Despite the potential for an appeal, the focus for IBUKA remains on the acknowledgment of Dr. Munyemana’s guilt. Dr. Gakwenzire noted that French society now recognizes the criminal nature of the convicted individual, raising questions about the delayed legal proceedings.

Dr. Munyemana, also known as the Butcher of Tumba, played a significant role in the Genocide against the Tutsi in Tumba Sector of Huye District, in former Butare Prefecture. Born on October 9, 1955, in Mbare, Gitarama, he studied gynecology in France after completing his education at the University of Butare.

Addressing concerns about potential releases of convicted individuals, Dr. Gakwenzire stressed the importance of discussing such decisions with the convict’s home country and considering the gravity of their crimes. He emphasized the need to learn lessons from such cases and advocated for continued efforts based on examples from the last decade.

Dr. Munyemana’s trial, the sixth in France against Rwandans involved in the Genocide against the Tutsi, commenced on December 13, 2023.