The Kiyumba Primary Court in Muhanga District has sentenced Musonera Germain to 20 years in prison after finding him guilty of complicity in the Genocide against the Tutsi. The court also ordered him to pay IBUKA—the umbrella organization for Genocide survivors—50 million Rwandan francs in moral damages.
During the ruling, the court stated that the prosecution had presented a solid and convincing case, confirming that Musonera played a role in facilitating atrocities committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In addition to the jail term, the court further ordered Musonera to compensate IBUKA with 1 million Rwandan francs to cover legal fees and case-related expenses. However, he was exempted from paying court costs due to his current detention status.
According to the Muhanga Intermediate Prosecution, Musonera served as a youth leader in the former Nyabikenke Commune during the 1994 Genocide. Prosecutors also stated that he owned a bar frequented by Interahamwe militia returning from killing Tutsi civilians, and that he possessed two firearms at the time.
Musonera has denied all charges throughout the trial, claiming he was not in Nyabikenke during the Genocide because he had returned to school.
While IBUKA had initially requested that Musonera be sentenced to life imprisonment along with 500 million francs in damages, the court opted for a 20-year sentence.
Before his arrest, Musonera had worked in several government institutions, including the Office of the Prime Minister. He resigned from public service to seek nomination as an MP representing the RPF-Inkotanyi, but was subsequently arrested and charged.
The case was heard by a panel of three judges and a court registrar.
In an earlier hearing, prosecutors had also requested life imprisonment before the court settled on the 20-year decision.