• Siboyintore John Bosco
• Ngarambe Prudence
• Kimanuka Oscar

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of international cooperation on the fight against genocide in Rwanda taking a case study of National Public Prosecution Authority. The specific objectives were to assess the role of international co-operation to Rwanda’s justice system in fighting against genocide; to evaluate the existing international legal framework in fighting genocide in Rwandan context and to examine if punishments to the suspects of genocide against Tutsi constitute justice to the victims. This study may contribute to other researchers’ review of literature about the fight against genocide and the awareness of the presence of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide committed against Tutsi living with impunity in the Great Lakes Region (GLR). The study suggests to the Rwandan government the level of cooperation required in the fight against the crime of genocide and some initiatives needed to be put in place to ensure the region is free from being a safe haven. The study as well contributes in bringing unity and reconciliation within Rwandan society in particular and the region as a whole. Furthermore, the study is helpful to the governments of GLR to understand how the current problem undermines peace, security and social economic development within the region and propose suitable mechanisms of addressing this problem. A descriptive research design was used where a mixed research approach in qualitative and quantitative way was adopted. The target population was 50 employees in the NPPA, Ministry of Justice, Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Interpol (National Central Bureau), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Rogatory Commissions from abroad where by census approach all was taken as a sample size. Both stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data was collected using question survey and interview guide. Data analysis was performed using computer-based software, Statistical Package for Social Sciences. In this regard, a descriptive, regression and correlation statistics were adopted. Results to the first objective revealed that national laws have influenced the fight against genocide, signed bilateral treaties on extradition lead to the effective fight against genocide, international convection on the prevention and punishment of genocide facilitated the fight against genocide, UN resolution 2150/2014 on State cooperation to fight genocide was helpful in the campaign to fight against genocide, memorandum of understanding signed played a role in the fight of genocide. Findings on the effects of the investigation against genocide suspects on the fight against genocide evidenced that investigations conducted by foreign countries helps in fighting against genocide. The third objective assessed the effects of foreign trials and extraditions on the fight against genocide in Rwanda. This objective was measured using Number of suspects seized for each country, number of trials for each country, number of extraditions by each country, number of referrals by ICTR to national jurisdictions, number of trials by ICTR, case prosecuted in other countries, case transferred and deported cases by countries. The study recommends that the government should strengthen justice system and ensure fair trial conditions, Rwanda and governments of third countries should consider how to enable Rwanda to join multilateral treaties or to conclude bilateral extradition treaties with European countries. The NPPA should update the list of fugitives in third countries and provide authorities of third countries with complete case files on the suspects alleged to be living abroad. The fugitives’ hosting countries should train judges, prosecutors and investigators handling these cases in order to gain the needed expertise to handle these complex cases of genocide and crimes against humanity. Third countries intending to try genocide fugitives living on their territories should domesticate the 1948 convention on prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide to ensure the principle of legality. Future research should also address the mechanism of how genocide is perpetrated by the state. It may be relevant to separate the regime of the state into more specific categories including military government, theocracy, dictatorship, or monarchy.

Fight against Genocide, Genocide, Great Lakes Region, Impunity, International Cooperation, International Crimes

"Impact of International Cooperation on the Fight against Genocide in Rwanda: A Case Study of National Public Prosecution Authority ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 8, page no.f352-f373, August-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2408739.pdf

"Impact of International Cooperation on the Fight against Genocide in Rwanda: A Case Study of National Public Prosecution Authority ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 8, page no. ppf352-f373, August-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2408739.pdf