During proceedings at UN tribunal on Rwandan genocide, former army colonel Theoneste Bagosora denied accusations he masterminded 1994 slaughter. Former interior minister surrendered to tribunal but likewise denied directly participating. Rwanda and Burundi signed communiqué classifying Rwandans seeking asylum in Burundi as “illegal immigrants”.

Trial of late President Habyarimana’s brother-in-law began at international tribunal, meanwhile alleged mastermind of 1994 genocide, Colonel Bagosora, started his defence. Despite international calls for due process in treatment of refugees, agreement reached with Burundi to repatriate, for second time in 2005, over 3,000 Rwandans seeking asylum in Burundi.

Hutu rebels (FDLR) delayed disarmament in DR Congo, provoking international calls for military solution. Local militia destroyed huts in Rwandan refugee camp in southwest Uganda over land disputes; 250 families homeless. Belgian priest Guy Theunis, first European arrested on genocide charges, pleaded innocent. Former media director of radio station notorious for anti-Tutsi broadcasts arrested in Gabon on genocide charges.

Rwandan Hutu rebels (FDLR) in DR Congo given until 30 September to disarm or face consequences during U.S.-sponsored tripartite meeting in Kigali between DR Congo, Uganda and Rwanda; FDLR free to return to Rwanda if denounce rebellion. Survivors complained to government over July release of thousands of genocide suspects. Kigali and Bujumbura signed refugee framework agreement with UNHCR on repatriation of Burundian refugees.

Government began releasing 36,000 genocide suspects from jail: some may still face traditional “gacaca” tribunals. Extradition treaty signed with Uganda 15 July; Kigali seeking repatriation of over 1,000 asylum-seekers who fled “gacaca” trials; Uganda denied refugee status to all but 80.

Officials said Hutu rebels under 14 at time of 1994 genocide exempt from “gacaca” courts; up to 800,000 Hutus expected to face courts. UN and U.S. expressed concern over Burundi’s forced repatriation of 5,000 Rwandan refugees; both countries termed asylum seekers “illegal immigrants”.

Up to 1,000 Rwandans who fled to Burundi to escape “gacaca” trials now believed returned; 6-7,000 remain. Rwanda rejected calls to engage in technical discussions with FDLR Rwandan Hutu rebels based in DR Congo. UNHCR warned of food shortages amongst Rwanda’s 60,000 refugee population.

UN Security Council urged FDLR Rwandan Hutu rebels in DR Congo to make good their 31 March promise to disarm and be repatriated. Rwanda said FLDR integration into Rwanda’s army could only happen on case-by-case basis; would not exclude individual judicial action. Over 3,000 Rwandans have now fled to Burundi and Uganda to escape local gacaca court trials for alleged involvement in 1994 genocide; Burundi confirmed they would not be granted asylum.

After meeting with Congolese representatives, Rwandan Hutu FDLR rebels based eastern DR Congo renounced armed conflict, denounced 1994 genocide and agreed repatriation to Rwanda; doubts remained over FDLR intentions and implementation. Gacaca trials for those suspected of involvement in 1994 genocide began after multiple delays; 179 sentenced and 1 acquitted by 23 March. Some possible indictees reportedly fled; number of judges, accused of complicity in genocide, asked to resign.

Regional ministers meeting Kigali agreed implementation of stability pact signed November 2004; called for donors to help turn region into “haven of peace”. Trials in “gacaca” courts for crimes committed during 1994 genocide delayed until March; suspects have until then to confess. Six Rwandans accused French troops of complicity in 1994 genocide; French court must decide whether to hear case.