A witness in the appeal trial of Dr. Munyemana, convicted of participating in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, called on him to reveal the location of the remains so they can be given a dignified buri
The witness made this plea on October 6, 2025, while testifying via video conference from Kigali before the Court of Appeal of the Paris Assize Court, assisted by an interpreter.
The witness, a woman born in 1953, told the court that during the genocide, her husband was arrested and detained in a house known as “Maison 60.” He was later transferred to Tumba Sector, where other Tutsi detainees were being held.
She said that Dr. Munyemana was in charge of the keys to the detention site at the time, having replaced the sector councillor, Bwanakeye.
Later, a vehicle belonging to the commune, commonly called “Ruhumbangegera,” transported the detainees to the office of the prosecutor at the time, Sebushishi. From there, the detainees were taken to the Gendarmerie Brigade, where they were severely beaten before being moved to an unknown location, where they were killed. “I don’t know exactly where they were taken,” she told the court. “But regarding this matter, I would ask Dr. Munyemana to reveal where our loved ones’ bodies were buried so that we can give them a proper burial. I am convinced he knows because he played a major role in what happened there.”
The witness added that, during the genocide, she had an identity card identifying her as Hutu because her father was Hutu and her mother was Tutsi. She and her husband had eight children, though one has since passed away.
When questioned by Dr. Munyemana’s defense team about whether she had known him prior to the genocide, she replied that she had only heard of him during that period, but learned more details during the Gacaca court proceedings.
Several other witnesses have also testified that Dr. Munyemana played a key role in the killing of Tutsi detainees held at the Tumba sector offices.
In December 2023, the Paris Assize Court found Dr. Munyemana guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity, and complicity. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison. He has since appealed the verdict, maintaining his innocence.
The appeal hearings began on September 16, 2025, and are expected to conclude on October
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
