Figure 8: With bodies behind them, they pray for help. (Remembering Rwanda)
The leader of the Hutu Militia who lead the genocide was found guilty in 1999, for crimes against humanity and was sentenced to life in prison. In February 19,1995 western governments gave money to Rwanda, including the US who sent over $60 million, adding to the total of $600 million to help aid the struggling Rwanda. Just days after the money was pledged to aid Rwanda the UN urged Rwanda to arrest suspects that might have been involved in the genocide. By June of that year the UN decided to take half of their troops out of Rwanda, which was requested by the Rwandan government. Then in August the arms embargo was lifted, until September 1,1996. The UN pushed for peacekeeping missions and began to reduce their troops in December of ’95. In December of ’96 trials of genocide began. And by January of ’97 the first person, Jean Paul Akayesu, was convicted of mass killings.(Chronology) Now, Rwanda is facing their 17th anniversary of the genocide. "The country will not condone impunity. For genocide to have taken place in Rwanda it was because the population came to believe that they could get away with anything, even killing somebody and you are aware that nothing will happen to you and you will not be punished for it," The UN has brought 49 people to justice for crimes against humanity and for mass killing, while 1.5 million people have been charged in community courts. The charges were for either doing the murdering of the innocent, or witnessing the killings and merely turning their head.(Majtenyi)
