Rwandan security forces have received Brigadier General Ezéchiel Gakwerere, also known as Sibomana Stany, Julius Mokoko, or Sibo Stany, at the Rubavu border, which connects Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Gakwerere, a senior member of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), was handed over alongside 13 other FDLR fighters, including Major Ndayambaje Gilbert.

Background and Role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Gakwerere was a Lieutenant in the Rwandan Armed Forces and served as Deputy Commander of the Non-Commissioned Officers School (ESO) in Butare, where he was in charge of intelligence, operations, and training. He was considered a trusted ally of Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, the institution’s deputy commander.

Reports indicate that Gakwerere played a key role in organizing and executing Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 in Butare. He was responsible for leading a group of newly recruited soldiers, referred to as the "New Formula," who carried out massacres at roadblocks and various locations. Furthermore, he is believed to have been among the soldiers dispatched by Capt. Nizeyimana to the residence of Queen Rosalie Gicanda on April 20, 1994, where she was subsequently murdered.

Additionally, Gakwerere is suspected of involvement in the killing of Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, the former Governor of Butare Prefecture, who was executed for opposing the genocide against Tutsi.

His Role in the FDLR

After fleeing Rwanda, Gakwerere rose to prominence within the FDLR, serving as its Secretary-General in the political wing of the rebel group. He has been a key figure in the FDLR’s operations in eastern DRC, where the group has been accused of committing atrocities against civilians.

Capture and Transfer to Rwanda

Gakwerere's name emerged following recent clashes between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army (FARDC), in which several FDLR fighters were captured. The circumstances surrounding his transfer remain unclear, but sources indicate that he was apprehended along with other senior FDLR members who were fighting alongside FARDC.

Upon his arrival in Rwanda at approximately 12:20 p.m., security personnel thoroughly searched his belongings, as well as those of the individuals accompanying him. His capture and transfer mark a significant development in efforts to dismantle FDLR operations in the region.

Rwandan authorities have yet to provide further details on the next steps regarding Gakwerere’s legal status and potential prosecution.

Rwandan security forces have received Brigadier General Ezéchiel Gakwerere, also known as Sibomana Stany, Julius Mokoko, or Sibo Stany, at the Rubavu border, which connects Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Gakwerere, a senior member of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), was handed over alongside 13 other FDLR fighters, including Major Ndayambaje Gilbert.

Background and Role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Gakwerere was a Lieutenant in the Rwandan Armed Forces and served as Deputy Commander of the Non-Commissioned Officers School (ESO) in Butare, where he was in charge of intelligence, operations, and training. He was considered a trusted ally of Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, the institution’s deputy commander.

Reports indicate that Gakwerere played a key role in organizing and executing Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 in Butare. He was responsible for leading a group of newly recruited soldiers, referred to as the "New Formula," who carried out massacres at roadblocks and various locations. Furthermore, he is believed to have been among the soldiers dispatched by Capt. Nizeyimana to the residence of Queen Rosalie Gicanda on April 20, 1994, where she was subsequently murdered.

Additionally, Gakwerere is suspected of involvement in the killing of Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, the former Governor of Butare Prefecture, who was executed for opposing the genocide against Tutsi.

His Role in the FDLR

After fleeing Rwanda, Gakwerere rose to prominence within the FDLR, serving as its Secretary-General in the political wing of the rebel group. He has been a key figure in the FDLR’s operations in eastern DRC, where the group has been accused of committing atrocities against civilians.

Capture and Transfer to Rwanda

Gakwerere's name emerged following recent clashes between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army (FARDC), in which several FDLR fighters were captured. The circumstances surrounding his transfer remain unclear, but sources indicate that he was apprehended along with other senior FDLR members who were fighting alongside FARDC.

Upon his arrival in Rwanda at approximately 12:20 p.m., security personnel thoroughly searched his belongings, as well as those of the individuals accompanying him. His capture and transfer mark a significant development in efforts to dismantle FDLR operations in the region.

Rwandan authorities have yet to provide further details on the next steps regarding Gakwerere’s legal status and potential prosecution.