05/07/2005

Since the beginning of April approximately 10,000 people have fled Rwanda to seek asylum in Burundi. They claim fear of reprisals in the gacaca tribunals, local people’s courts that have begun to hear cases against persons accused of participating in the 1994 genocide, and also speak of rumors of possible revenge massacres. The government of Rwanda has pressured Burundian authorities to ensure that these asylum seekers return to Rwanda and that has resulted in acts of violence and intimidations against the asylum seekers. Refugees International is calling on the government of Burundi to stop all violence against Rwandan asylum seekers.