A Rwandan beekeeper living in the United States, Faustin Nsabumukunzi, has been arrested for allegedly participating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which about 800,000 people were killed within just 100 days. The 65-year-old, who had settled in Bridgehampton, New York, is accused by US federal prosecutors of committing “heinous acts of violence” while serving as a local leader at the onset of the genocide.
According to the US Justice Department, Nsabumukunzi allegedly set up roadblocks to detain and kill Tutsis and used his leadership position to organize and direct groups of armed Hutus in carrying out mass killings. Witnesses cited by prosecutors claim he actively participated in the violence. After the genocide, a Rwandan court convicted Nsabumukunzi in absentia and sentenced him to life in prison.
In addition to the genocide allegations, Nsabumukunzi faces charges of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud. Prosecutors say he lied repeatedly on his immigration applications, falsely denying any involvement in the Rwandan genocide when he sought refugee status in the United States in 2003. He later repeated these falsehoods when applying for a green card and citizenship. Federal prosecutors noted that he had lived in the US for over two decades with “an undeserved clean slate.”
Nsabumukunzi pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $250,000 bond under conditions of home detention and GPS monitoring. He will be allowed to continue his work as a gardener while awaiting trial. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Before moving to the United States, Nsabumukunzi reportedly oversaw 150 beekeepers and 1,500 hives in Rwanda. In the US, he managed about 100 hives for the Hamptons Honey Company, although the company’s current owner stated he was unaware of Nsabumukunzi’s previous involvement.
Nsabumukunzi’s lawyer, Evan Sugar, described his client as a “law-abiding beekeeper and gardener” and asserted that Nsabumukunzi was himself a victim of the genocide, having lost many family members and friends. Sugar emphasized that his client had rightfully obtained refugee status and permanent residence and intends to fight the decades-old allegations while maintaining his innocence.
The Rwandan government continues to pursue genocide suspects who fled the country, with several arrests being made internationally over the years. Nsabumukunzi’s case highlights the ongoing efforts to bring alleged perpetrators to justice, even decades after the horrific events of 1994.
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