Photo Portraitor / Pixabay

Rwanda’s High Court Chamber for International and Cross-border Crimes on Friday ruled that it has jurisdiction to try Paul Rusesabagina, whose actions inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda,” on the charges of terrorism financing, armed robbery, abduction, arson, attempted murder, assault, and battery.

During the 1994 genocide, Rusesabagina used his connections and position as hotel manager to rescue fleeing Tutsi ethnic group members who were at a risk of being slaughtered by members of the Hutu ethnic group. He left Rwanda in 1996, and has since been a critic of the Rwandan Patriotic Front government and President Paul Kagame’s leadership.

Rusesabagina had questioned the jurisdiction of the Rwanda court, since he is a citizen of Belgium. The prosecution had argued that Rusesabagina is a dual citizen as he has not renounced his Rwandan citizenship. The three-judge panel found that courts in both Rwanda and Belgium have the jurisdiction to try the case, and that there is no justifiable ground for moving the case to a Belgian court.

The judges stated that “[the] arguments by Rusesabagina that he should not be tried by this court are baseless. There is no reason this court cannot try him. Court finds that the High Court Chamber for International and Cross Border Crimes has the jurisdiction to try Rusesabagina given the grave nature of crimes he faces.”

Rusesabagina was charged in September for 13 crimes, later reduced to nine. According to the Penal Code of Rwanda, the maximum penalties for these crimes range from 10 years to life imprisonment. Following the ruling, Rusesabagina’s lawyer expressed his client’s dissatisfaction with the court’s decision. He stated, “I want the registrar to note that the client I represent wants to appeal against the decision that has just been made by this court.” - Esther Chihaavi, U. Nairobi School of Law, KE / JURIST

Bomb disposal experts have evacuated 2,600 homes after a suspected unexploded Second World War bomb was found in Exeter.

Royal Navy bomb disposal teams were sent to Glenthorne Road near the University of Exeter at 9am on Friday. 

They found a "possible unexploded World War Two device" on a building site to the west of the university campus and worked through the night ahead of a disposal operation on Saturday.

Today the Army has evacuated around 2,600 properties so teams can examine the device and remove it from the site safely. 

A 400-metre cordon and nearby road closures are also in place, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

"Police hope this work will be completed by the end of today, but will be guided by the bomb disposal team," a statement said. 

"Residents should be reassured that military, police and partners are working to maintain public safety." SKY News

Burundi Reiterates Support for Morocco’s Territorial Integrity. Photo Morocco World News

Rabat – Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Albert Shingiro reiterated today his country’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.

Shingiro also reaffirmed Burundi’s support for the UN-led political process, emphasizing the efficiency of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan.

Morocco submitted the autonomy initiative to the Security Council in 2007 as part of national efforts to help the UN find an agreed upon political solution to the Western Sahara conflict.

The plan suggests making Western Sahara a semi-autonomous region that remains under Morocco’s sovereignty. 

The initiative seeks to allow the region’s inhabitants to manage their social, economic, and political affairs while Morocco handles defense and diplomacy. 

Burundi’s FM made his remarks during a press briefing following a meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to stress Burundi’s unchanged decision to maintain its diplomatic representation in Rabat and its consulate general in Laayoune, according to Morocco’s state media.

The announcement refuted claims pro-Polisario websites have promoted, which said that Burundi closed its representation in Laayoune due to “financial” issues.

Burundi was among a list of 18 countries that opened diplomatic representations in Laayoune and Dakhla, southern Morocco, to reflect their support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.

Burundi opened its consulate in Laayoune on February 28.

The country will install its consul general in Laayoune “shortly,” Shingiro announced.

He said that his country’s position has manifested itself on several occasions and in different ways.

The Burundian official also welcomed Morocco’s decision to open a resident embassy in Bujumbura, seeking to boost cooperation between the two countries in different fields.

He said that the embassy will serve as a diplomatic bridge between the two capitals.

Burundi and Morocco signed today a cooperation roadmap covering the period from 2021 and 2024.

The cooperation reflects the countries’ common desire to intensify their relations, according to Morocco’s state media.

Bourita and Shingiro signed the roadmap.

The cooperation will include granting scholarships for students and trainees from Burundi to Moroccan public higher education institutions.

Under the cooperation roadmap, Morocco will also share expertise in different fields with senior officials from Burundi.

The North African country will support Burundi in preparing files relating to the development of infrastructure of strategic projects for the country. It will also support Burundi in obtaining support from regional and international funding organizations with which Morocco maintains relations. - Safaa Kasraoui, Morocco World News