Abstract

The genocide in Rwanda remains one of the most tragic and horrendous events witnessed in Africa, and an important case study in the exploits of transitional justice. An approximated number of one million people were subjected to systematic rape, murder and torture with several thousands of people being displaced in the process of ethnic conflict in Rwanda-evidencing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Rwanda provides yet another example of the need for justice in post-conflict states, and the need to protect human rights and the restoration of the dignity of human beings. However, a post-conflict situation has to contend with how this justice is dispensed, by whom, towards whom and to what end. This paper argues that partial justice was served (and continues to be) in Rwanda concomitant with victor’s justice and the political opportunism of the emergent Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) government. 

Key words: Political opportunism, genocide, impunity, transitional justice, human rights.