Kayumba Nyamwasa: Rwanda’s sadistic general

The former army chief of staff of Rwanda fled the country last week. At the time of his defection, he had been Rwanda’s ambassador to India.

Lt. Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa is one of a growing number of senior Rwandan army officers who in recent years have fallen out with President Paul Kagame.

Media reports in Rwanda and Uganda early this week said he had fled into Uganda, with the latest reports from Uganda saying he had since moved on to South Africa.

In 2007, another senior military officer and former director of intelligence, Patrick Karegyeya, also fled to Uganda and then on to South Africa.

Once again, the much-hyped Rwandan intelligence services have been taken unawares by this defection.

Who is Kayumba Nyamwasa?

Lt. Gen. Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, like most senior RPF government officials, is a Tutsi and lived most of his life as a refugee in Uganda.

Brig. Kayumba Nyamwasa is from the Abaganza clan of the Tutsi (or a Muganza). President Paul Kagame is from the Baganza clan. The late Major General Fred Rwigyema and Major Peter Baingana were from the royal Abanyignya clan.

Kayumba Nyamwasa studied at Mbarara High School in western Uganda and later enrolled at Makerere University in Kampala. He resided in Lumumba Hall.

From there, in 1984, he joined Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA) guerrillas fighting in the Luwero Triangle.

He served in the Ugandan army after 1986 and was one of the Tutsi soldiers who invaded Rwanda in Oct. 1990 at the start of the RPF’s four-year guerrilla war.

At the time the RPF was fighting, Nyamwasa’s wifeAt the time the RPF was fighting, Nyamwasa’s wife worked at the International Credit Bank in Kampala owned by the late Thomas I. Katto.

By 1994, Nyamwasa was the director of military intelligence in the rebel Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), the military wing of the RPF.

As the Uganda Record reported in a world exclusive last month, the directorate of military intelligence of the RPA was the unit that prepared, coordinated, and executed the firing of the missile that brought down the presidential jet on April 6, 1994.

There is even some speculation that Nyamwasa’s defection might have had something to do with the Uganda Record report, as the RPF government has been desperately trying to conceal all trace of that assassination in 1994.

At the time President Kagame sent Nyamwasa to India as Rwanda’s ambassador, the two men had fallen out and there were behind the scenes reconciliation moves.

That was the reason Kagame sent him to India in the first place, to create the right conditions for reconciliation.

The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement saying Nyamwasa “ceases to represent Rwanda to India and any and all other countries or institutions, with immediate effect. Prior to his defection, Nyamwasa was questioned by Rwandan investigative authorities on serious criminal charges.”

Nyamwasa’s sadistic personality

As the RPF fought out its guerrilla war in the early 1990s, a sadistic side to Nyamwasa came into view of RPF soldiers, some of whom are still traumatised by what they witnessed him do.

In 1992 and 1993, 1,500 Hutus at the Commune Muvumba and Commune Kiyombe (commune means “gombolola”) were killed by being hit with a blunt hoe in an operation commanded by Lt. Col. Jackson Rwahama and Nyamwasa, assisted by the RPA’s 7th Mobile Brigade commanded by Capt. William Bagire.

The Battalions of the 7th Mobile Brigade involved in the atrocities were Sierra, Bravo, and 7th.

The Hutu captives were brought in numbers of 100 at a go and put into trenches that were then sealed with iron sheets. They were then left to die in the pit.

When the RPF took power in 1994, they started confiscating Hutu land and houses all over Rwanda. Much of the property was given to the returning Tutsi exiles.

Major General Fred Ibingira and Kayumba Nyamwasa massacred thousands of Hutu in 1995 and 1996 and took their land in the communes of Muhazi, Rwamagana, and Kayunza, (an area that is about the size of the area between Kampala and Entebbe in Uganda).

The murder of Major Lizinde

A Rwandan army officer named Major Theoneste Majoro Lizinde became the Commandant of the RPA’s General Headquarters in the early 1990s.

He was a Hutu and had been in the Rwandan government army.

He later fled to Nairobi, Kenya, after falling out with the RPF government. He was gunned down in Nairobi by Kagame’s agents.

Why did he defect to Nairobi?

In mid 1994, shortly before the RPA captured state power, Lizinde ate a sheep that the RPA used to move about with in battle. It appears that this sheep was used as some kind of spiritual protection to the RPF’s fighters.

When confronted by the RPA officers over the sheep, Lizinde said he did not see why they should complain about his slaughtering and eating the sheep.

After all, Lizinde said, had the RPA not massacred 5,000 Hutu in two communes Muvumba and Kiyombe and the bodies dumped in mass graves, and that he was an eye witness to these atrocities?

After this confrontation, Lizinde was stripped of his job and his escorts were taken away. After taking power, the RPF government put Lizinde in charge of of logistics in the RPA.

He defected to Kenya through Uganda. Lizinde said he had witnessed Lt. Col. Jackson Rwahama and Kayumba Nyamwasa murder the 5,000 Hutus.

In late 1993, at commune Muvumba, Kayumba Nyamwasa personally handled a corporal of the government army who had been captured in battle.

Nyamwasa shot the corporal at and below the knees with a pistol until his legs fell apart.

Nyamwasa then got a machete and heated it in a fire place that the RPF fighters used to cook their food, until the machete became extremely hot. He then got the machete and started pressing it on the face, back, shoulders, and stomach of the corporal as the corporal screamed in agony and later died.

A number of RPF soldiers who witnessed the murder of the captured corporal were frightened by what they had seen.

From April 21 to 25, 1995, over 2,000 Hutus were murdered near the airport under the order and supervision of: Col. Kayumba Nyamwasa, Maj. Jack Nziza, and Lt Emmanuel Gasana, all of them from the Directorate of Military Intelligence

In 1997 into 1998, more than 2,000 Hutu were murdered at the localities of Cyabingo and Ruhondo by Col. Kayumba Nyamwasa, Lt. Col. Karake Karenzi (the commander of the 408th Brigade), Maj. Philbert Rwigamba of the 67th Battalion, Maj. Firmin Bayingana, and Capt.Misingo Karari of Ruhengeri.

Other RPF soldiers spoke of other atrocities committed by Nyamwasa in the captured town of Butare.

Rwanda: Two generals under arrest for “conspiracy”

Two generals under arrest for “conspiracy”

DR Congo and Rwanda War criminal: Paul Kagame

Currently, General Wilson Gumisiriza and his colleague General Fred Ibingira are under arrest following a report of the Department of Military Intelligence (DMI) indicating that the two senior officers were part of a band of conspirators.
However, the aim is to keep the generals away from war crimes investigators. How can we forget the massacres that were carried out in Kibeho Camp by General Fred Ibingira on the orders of African Butcher, Paul Kagame. Its the same tactic that was used with another Killer called Laurent Nkunda.

General Fred Ibingira

The alleged plot was aimed at ensuring that Dr. Charles Muligande be designated as the candidate of the RPF-Inkotanyi (instead of General Paul Kagame) for the 2010 Presidential elections. Other reliable sources indicate that it might also be charged to General Gumisiriza to have mismanaged the ongoing joint military operations (Kimia II) aimed at uprooting the FDLR from South Kivu, DRC.

General Wilson Gumisiriza

The security index is currently set higher in Kigali

Although it is difficult to confirm (or disprove) the above information, the arrest of these senior officers is effective. This event shows that as the Rwandan presidential elections approach, the Kagame’s regime is becoming increasingly nervous. This is quite normal for General Kagame who is known for his brutality. Indeed, in his ascension to power and his struggle to preserve it, Kagame did not only make friends.

Many senior members of his army would like to be caliphs thereby replacing the current caliph (Kagame), especially those who hail from the Ugandan clan. This small group of officers who are omnipotent in Kigali does not look kindly at certain decisions of the current President and may be waiting for the right opportunity to get rid of such a leader renowned for being brutal and paranoid. Even his Americans friends themselves would certainly be delighted to see the emergence of a Rwandan leadership that is less polarizing and therefore better able to serve their interests in the region.

Kagame has up to date been an important cog in the mechanism of geopolitics but as this is true for any wheel, upon mechanical jam, the wheel must be replaced right away. So far the only string at which holds the political survival of Kagame is just the inability of the Congolese political leaders to effectively manage (or even seem to do so as this is the case in Kigali) a country as large as the European continent.

But as stated by the widow of Ngo Dinh Diem, the leader of the Republic of Vietnam who was supported by the U.S. before being deposed and assassinated by the CIA after nearly 10 years of loyal service, “Whoever has the Americans as allies does not need enemies”. As was the case in Vietnam, the interests (and secrets) of Anglo-Saxons would be better protected by a person whose legitimacy could not be questioned and who would certainly be acclaimed by his people, neighbors and the International Community for having helped Africa to get rid of one of the greatest war criminal.

War criminal: a label that sticks to the skin

As it is usually said here in Europe, once your name is in the computer it is over for you. The reputation of Kagame as a war criminal is already well established. Even when he appears on CNN or other western media, nobody forgets to recall that the man is an autocrat whose record of service would fade a Mugabe. Obviously, the only excuse that he finds is that that he has apparently developed the country compared to other countries in the region. Hover, on should not make any mistake because this political marketing will soon reach its limits. The latest United Nations Development Program (UNDP) report shows that in terms of human development, Rwanda remains one of the worst countries in the world. Indeed, the former senior UN official in Cambodia has finally shown that behind the facade that Rwanda shows, there is a hidden disproportionate suffering afflicting the Rwandan population. Westerners may still say what Kagame wants to hear (i.e. keep secret all these black files) but when he will no longer be president, he will surely suffer the same fate as Pinochet.

A way out: the Ugandan clan versus Paul and/or Ivan Kagame

Whatever Kagame’s political fate would be, it is definitely linked to the above mentioned military officers that hail from Ugandan. These powerful officers all come from Uganda (as Kagame) and have helped him seize power in Rwanda. As this is the case to all regimes from military coups, members of the original junta represent personalities that are potentially harmful to the sitting head of state. Indeed, not only the members of such a junta have the material means but also and especially because psychologically they do not view Kagame as the head of state but as a mere member of the team who was fortunate to be chosen and accepted by them. In their views, the president owes them everything and they behave as such. The proof is in the aborted attempt to overtrow Kagame by a former military chief of staff, Kayumba Nyamwasa. Contrary to his habit, Kagame could not physically get rid of this influential man so loved by his soldiers (and by the English apparently) and decided to exile him as the current Rwandan Ambassador in India.

In the near future, it will be either Kagame or the Ugandan clan. Kagame already aware of how powerful his comrades are, gradually sets them aside and replace them with a new guard already well indoctrinated and very docile. The recent news of the military training of his eldest son, Ivan Kagame, is the most significant sign of such a strategy. Kagame knows that the clock is ticking and waits impatiently for her son to return home from West Point Military Academy to help him with the housework.

Unfortunately, the Ugandan clan members are not stupid and probably will certainly not wait until that moment. Even the most faithful officers like James Kabarebe, the current military chief of staff, begin having wings. In particular, the latter who has never set foot in school would not be pleased to see Ivan Kagame back home brandishing a diploma from the prestigious WestPoint Military Academy. These once faithful officers also do not have time to lose because they know Kagame’s nature, known to be even more paranoid and brutal than the inimitable Idi Amin.

Currently, and probably for a while, the greatest threat to the Kigali regime lies in its military ranks and more specifically at the top of the army. The vision and bad governance practices, Paul Kagame has managed to create mortal enemies within the powerful Rwanda Defense Force. Such enemies are still waiting for the right moment to cut Kagame’s throat ….with probably the support from his American friends.

By Arthur Ngenzi

President Kagame

Paul Kagame became President of Rwanda in March 2000, after Bizimungu was deposed. Three and a half years later, on August 25, 2003, he won a landslide victory in the first national elections

A presidential election was held in Rwanda on 25 August2003. Paul Kagame easily won the election against a weak opposition.ResultsSource…
since his government took power in 1994 winning 94% of the votes..

Kagame is highly critical of the United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, Social change, human rights and achieving world peace….
and its role in the 1994 genocide. In March 2004, his public criticism of France for its role in the genocide and its lack of preventative actions caused a diplomatic row. In November 2006, Rwanda severed all diplomatic ties with France and ordered all its diplomatic staff out of Rwanda within 24 hours following Judge Bruguiere issuing warrants accusing nine high ranking Rwandans of plotting the downing of President Juvenal Habyarimana’s airplane in 1994 and also accusing Kagame of ordering the plane shot down.

The Spanish judge has passed a resolution on 06/02/2008 which issues international arrest warrants against 40 people who belonged or continue to belong to the highest ranking political-military helm of the Rwandan Patriotic Army/Rwandan Patriotic Front.

The Rwandan Patriotic Front abbreviated as RPF is the current ruling political party of Rwanda, led by President Paul Kagame. It governs in a coalition with other parties….
(RPA/RPF) which has held power in Rwanda since 1994. The arrest warrants charge them with the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and terrorism, among others. Paul Kagame Charged as the alleged main responsible for following crimes: A) Genocide
Genocide

Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group.While precise genocide definitions, a legal definition is found in the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide ….
; B) Crimes against humanity; C) War crimes: against protected people and property in the event of armed conflict (abuses, prohibited combat weapons, indiscriminate attacks, violation of health centers/sanitary units, attacks to property; acts against statutes of international Treaties; E) Membership in terrorist organization; F) Terrorist acts.

The Spanish Judge has obtained numerous pieces of testimonial and documentary evidence, as well as evidence from expert witnesses, regarding the afore-mentioned crimes allegedly perpetrated by the RPA/RPF in Rwanda

The Republic of Rwanda is a small landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of east-central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania….
and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the period 1990-2000, primarily. This investigation has allowed to reveal that the RPA/RPF’s rigid, hierarchical chain of command, headed by President Paul Kagame, is responsible for three major and closely interrelated blocks of crime: a) crimes perpetrated against 9 Spanish victims – missionaries and aid workers- whose first priority was helping the local population and by so doing, were all inconvenient observers of the killings of Hutu inhabitants in both countries; b) crimes against Rwandans and Congolese, either perpetrated pointedly against various specific leaders, or systematically carried out as mass murders of hundreds of thousands of civilians; and c) crimes of war pillage- the systematic, large-scale plundering of natural resources, especially strategically valuable minerals. The investigation has shown that large-scale crimes took place in Central Africa at all different stages: prior to, during and after the mass killings of the Tutsi population that took place in the period April-June 1994 –all of them classified as genocide by the UN Security Council in its ad hoc resolution. The official version that has managed to prevail in international public opinion, however, only points to the killings occurred in the above-mentioned period. The judicial decision brings to light an array of facts: first, that six RPA/RPF army units and 2,400 military men – backed by military, logistical and political support from Uganda – had already, as early as October 1, 1990, invaded northern Rwanda, causing the death of countless Hutu civilians. Secondly, that from 1991 to 1993, the RPA/RPF had carried out a great number of open and carefully targeted military operations against civilians through its two executor agents – the RPA’s regular army and the Directorate Military Intelligence or DMI’s secret services- , creating likewise special death squads such as the “Network Commando”. Thirdly, that in 1994 the RPA buried and hid in Uganda large amounts of weapons (to be smuggled later into Rwanda) before planning the attack against J. Habyarimana
Habyarimana

The name Habyarimana is Rwandan and occurs in a number of personal names….
, Rwandan president at the time, which was the event that triggered the entire chaos. Further to that action in 1994, as well as in 1995, the RPA and DMI perpetrated mass and targeted crimes against civilians, mostly Hutu, following Paul Kagame’s explicit instructions to eliminate the population indiscriminately (albeit using the term “screening”). The RPA and DMI also organized collective burials in mass graves and mass incinerations of corpses in Akagera or Nyungwe Parks. The investigation has also revealed that in 1996 and 1997, the RPA/RPF set out to systematically attack Hutu refugee camps in former Zaire

Zaire

The Republic of Zaire was the name of the present Democratic Republic of the Congo between 27 October 1971, and 17 May 1997. The name of Zaire derives from the , itself an adaptation of the Kongo language nzere or nzadi, or “the river that swallows all rivers”, and is often still used to refer to that state, perhaps because “Zai…
, killing hundreds of thousands of Rwandans and Congolese. It also organized the plundering of mineral resources such as diamonds, coltan and gold, thereby creating the intricate web of corruption led by the “Congo Desk”, the DMI and Rwandan companies –among them, Tristar Investment- all of whom were backed by multinational corporations and Western powers. During its second military invasion which started in 1998, it continued to engage in these activities setting forth its trail of killing and plundering which continues to date in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Spanish Court’s decision marks a key turning point in the efforts to stop the scenario of impunity which continues to date. Based on evidence brought forth which complies with all legal requirements, the decision spells out some of the fundamental truths that had been concealed about this conflict.This important ruling is expected to contribute to peacemaking among the people and ethnic groups in this greatly battered Central African region

The most flagrant criminal acts which are object of this judicial ruling dated 06/02/2008: • October 1 1990-1991-1992: Massacres of civilians in the municipalities of northern Rwanda; targeted attacks, among others.

• 1993: Massacres of civilians in northern Rwanda, especially in Byumba and Ruhengeri (February); attack against Emmanuel Gapyisi (May 8).

• 1994: Attack against Felicien Gatabazi (February 21); massacres of civilians in Rwanda, especially in Byumba (April) and in its soccer stadium (April 23), as well as violent death of Spanish priest Joaquim Vallmajó and other Rwandan clergy in Byumba (April 26); massacre of civilians in Muhura led by Paul Kagame himself (12 mayo); violent death of Rwandan bishops, priests and nuns in Gakurazo (June 5), among others.

• 1995: Massacres of civilians in Rwanda; massacres in Centers of Internally Displaced People (IDP) as well as massacres and incineration of corpses in Nyungwe Forest and in Akagera National Park.

• 1996: Massacres of civilians in northwestern Rwanda (December); attacks on Rwandan refugee camps in Zaire, systematic killings of Rwandan and Zairean civilian population (October- December), as well as violent deaths of Spanish clergymen Servando Mayor, Julio Rodríguez, Miguel Angel Isla Lucio and Fernando de la Fuente in Nyamirangwe/Bukavu, Zaire (October 31); pillage of natural resources – especially minerals such as diamonds, coltan and gold – and plunder of of banks in eastern Zaire.

• 1997: Massacres of civilians in northwestern Rwanda, especially in Ruhengeri, Gisenyi and Cyangugu (Jan.-March), as well as violent death of Spanish volunteers Flors Sirera, Manuel Madrazo and Luis Valtueña (Jan. 18) among other expatriates and UN personnel (Jan. and Feb.); massacres of Rwandan civilians in Kami Prison/Nyungwe Forest; massacres of clergy in Kalima, Zaire (Feb 25), systematic killings of Rwandan refugees and Zairean civilians in Zaire (Jan-May), particularly the axis Bukavu/Goma/ Lubutu/Ubundu-Kisangani/Ikela/Boende/Wendji-Secli and Mbandaka (Zaire); pillage of diamonds in Lubumbashi; pillage of natural resources in eastern Zaire, especially precious minerals, timber, cattle.

• 1998-1999: Massacres of civilians in northwestern Rwanda, especially in Ruhengeri, Gisenyi and Cyangugu; systematic killings of Rwandan refugees and Congolese civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo;

• 2000: Systematic killings of Congolese civilians in Democratic Republic of Congo; violent death of Rwandan civilians in Rwanda, and violent death of Spanish priest Isidro Uzcudún in Mugina/Gitarama, Rwanda (June 10), among others.

Main people responsible for these crimes, and members of the RPA/RPF political and military helm (not exhaustive list): PAUL KAGAME, Major General; JAMES KABAREBE, Major General; KAYUMBA NYAMWASA, Major General; KARENZI KARAKE, Brigadier General; FRED IBINGIRA, Major General; RWAHAMA JACKSON MUTABAZI, Colonel; JACK NZIZA, Brigadier General; RUGUMYA GACINYA, Lieutenant-Colonel; DAN MUNYUZA, Colonel: CHARLES KAYONGA, Lieutenant-General

In recent years, Kagame has stated that it is Rwanda’s role to play a part in the prevention of Genocide in Africa and elsewhere. As such, the Rwanda Defense Forces have become one of the major contributors of African peace keeping in Darfur, as well as the newly created hybrid AU-UN force. In June 2008, Kagame criticized the authoritarian regime of President Mugabe
Mugabe.

Regarding human rights

Human rights refer to the “basic rights and freedom to which all humans are entitled.” Examples of rights and freedoms which have come to be commonly thought of as human rights include civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of speech, and equality before the law; and social, cultural and economic rights, i…
under the current government of President Paul Kagame, Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is a United States based, international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. Its headquarters are in New York City….
has accused Rwandan police of several instances of extra-judicial killings and deaths in custody. In June 2006, the International Federation of Human Rights
International Federation of Human Rights

The International Federation of Human Rights aka F?d?ration internationale des droits de l’homme is a federation of non-governmental human rights organizations….
and Human Rights Watch described what they called “serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Rwanda Patriotic Army”.

According to The Economist

The Economist is an English-language weekly news and international relations publication owned by The Economist Newspaper Ltd. and edited in London….
, Kagame “allows less political space and press freedom at home than Robert Mugabe
Robert Mugabe.

The United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U…
‘ government in 2006 described the human rights record of the Kagame government as “mediocre”, citing the “disappearances” of political dissidents, as well as arbitrary arrests and acts of violence, torture and murders committed by police. US authorities listed human rights problems including the existence of political prisoners and limited freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion.

Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders

Reporters Without Borders, or RWB is a Paris-based international non-governmental organization that advocates freedom of the press. It was founded in 1985 by current Secretary General Robert M?nard, Rony Brauman and the journalist Jean-Claude Guillebaud….
listed Rwanda in 147th place out of 169 for freedom of the press in 2007, and reported that “Rwandan journalists suffer permanent hostility from their government and surveillance by the security services”. It cited cases of journalists being threatened, harassed and arrested for criticising the government. According to Reporters Without Borders, “President Paul Kagame and his government have never accepted that the press should be guaranteed genuine freedom.”

Gov't searching for fugitive Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa

Gov't searching for fugitive Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa

Kigali: A career soldier, diplomat and most recently linked to the troubled Green Party, Lt. Gen. Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa is against back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Government says he is “on the run” in Uganda – a neighbour with which Rwanda almost went to war, RNA reports.


A government communiqué on Friday evening said the embattled Rwandan diplomat to India and renowned ex-army chief no longer represents Rwanda in Delhi with immediate effect. General Kayumba is also sought for crimes committed back home, according to the brief communiqué, also read on state TV and Radio.

The Government says he is in Uganda, but does not say how and why he got there. The statement does not also say which crimes he supposed to answer for.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has apparently also started behind-the-scenes maneuvers to have him extradited to Rwanda to answer for the yet unspecified charges, according to the government communiqué.

Last week, the soft-spoken General was in the country along with fellow other envoys for the annual ambassadors’ retreat organised by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The line-minister Louise Mushikiwabo opened and closed the two-day meeting.

It is not yet clear if he returned to his posting in Delhi before fleeing or simply travelled to Uganda.

Green Party

The General has had his fair share of controversy. Most recently, almost all the local newspapers which brand themselves as ‘independent’ reported that a top secret dossier had been compiled by the intelligence community detailing all people behind the trouble-ridden Green Party of Rwanda.

Among those named also includes Senators, the Police Commissioner General Emmanuel Gasana and several other top former and current government officials. Perhaps the biggest shock was the naming of a senior aide to the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, by the names of Dr. John Nagenda.

Among the tens of people named in the controversial dossier – to which government has not commented, or even any of the people named, only Dr. Nagenda, said to be of Rwandan origin, has responded - denying any links to the Green Party.

However, he confirmed that he is an uncle to the Green Party leader Mr. Frank Habineza, for who he even paid tuition at some point.

Army chief

Before the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) rebels captured power in 1994, Colonel Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa was the Commanding Officer of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) in the rebel ranks. He would be brought in to battle the ousted government army and interahamwe for several years. Brigade 221 which Nyamwasa headed managed the war-torn northern Rwanda.

In January 1998, then Colonel Kayumba Nyamwasa was appointed army chief of staff replacing then Colonel Samuel Kanyemera. He would become Major General and later Lt. General. Those still in the army ranks describe him as a very strict disciplinarian, but likable officer.

During the dark days after the ex-army and interahamwe militias had been forced out of Rwanda into neighboring Zaire – now DR Congo, General Nyamwasa camped in the heart of the rebel zone in northern Rwanda.

As government struggled to contain the rebel incursions between 1996 to around 1999, General Kayumba was said to have been personally overseeing the war effort. At some point in January 1998, he told the BBC that "We have the means. We have the will. We will kill until they lose their appetite for war.”

And indeed, following the second invasion of DRC by Rwandan forces in 1998 up until now, the interahamwe – now known largely as the FDLR have not been able to strike on Rwandan territory.

President Paul Kagame – then vice president and Defense Minister, up until early 2000, was also a major brain behind the country’s military successes against the rebels.

Sacked

In 2001, General Nyamwasa was relieved of his duties, replaced briefly by exiled General Bem Emmanuel Habyarimana, an ex-FAR officer who was also later replaced by current full General James Kabarebe when Habyarimana become Defense Minister. General Kayumba was sent on training in the UK.

In November 2002, government redeployment returned General Nyamwasa as Head of Security Services – described as coordinating the internal and external security apparatus.

Two years later, the General was posted to India as the country’s envoy – a post he held until Friday.

International indictments

General Kayumba is now not only a fugitive from national justice, he is also sought by the Spanish and French governments over contested indictments.

In November 2006, a French anti-terrorism Judge Jean Louise Bruguiere indicted General Kayumba, along with nine other senior military officers for allegedly being part of the enterprise which assassinated former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana.

The indictments led to Rwanda severing relations with France completely until this Thursday – with the visit of French President Nicholas.

Trouble was not about to end. In February 2008, Spanish judge Andreu Fernando Merrelles also named General Nyamwasa among the 40 people he indicted for the death of Spanish nuns and war crimes.

In both of the indictments, President Kagame is also named but was not indicted owing to presidential immunity under international law. Government has fiercely contested the warrants – but the Spanish indictments have not gone far.

At the time, General Kayumba – a diplomat in India and therefore also protected under international law, angrily dismissed the two indictments.