Minister of Justice and Attorney General Busingye Johnston yesterday opened the 14^th Africa Prosecutors Association (APA) conference and General meeting, which brought together Prosecutors and investigators from various African countries.

The Africa prosecutors Association was established in 2003  with a membership of 34 African Prosecution  Authorities  to enhance  cooperation  between  prosecution agencies  and authorities in Africa and to be a response  to rising transnational  criminal activities in Africa, that undermine  not only the development, but also  good governance, peace and stability  on the African continent. This year’s conference was organised under the theme: Africa upholding the Rule of Law in fighting transnational crimes and Genocide.

While addressing the participants, Minister Busingye applauded them for their initiative in fighting transnational crimes. “It is significant and symbolic that prosecution experts and practitioners from   African countries are gathered in Kigali to strengthen your institutional informal and formal collaborative networks given your collective mission of combating crime and ensuring accountability for transnational crimes. In accordance with this Conference’s theme, as Africans, we should always strive to ensure the Rule of Law by fighting cross border crimes.  I applaud your Organization for choosing this theme. ” Minister Busingye said.

He further brought to the participants’ attention the issue of Genocide fugitives who are not yet brought to justice and are still at liberty in various countries despite indictments and extradition requests sent by Rwanda. He called them upon for collective cooperation for effective enforcement.

Click here to read the full speech by Minister of Justice and Attorney General.