[JURIST] German officials Sunday announced the arrest in Mannheim of Ignace Murwanashyaka [Wikipedia profile], leader of the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR) [backgrounder]. While the arrest was based on immigration violations, Murwanashyaka could face deportation or extradition to Rwanda for alleged war crimes committed during the 1994 genocide [Human Rights Watch backgrounder; JURIST news archive] of Tutsis. Rwanda plans to formally seek his extradition, despite the lack of an international arrest warrant. The FDLR commander is on a UN black list [text] for violating an arms embargo aimed at restoring peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo [JURIST news archive] and has been living in Germany. In 2005, Murwanashyaka announced [JURIST report] that the FDLR would end its war against the Rwanda government and transform its fight into a political struggle.

Hutu rebels fled Rwanda [JURIST news archive] and crossed into eastern Congo 12 years ago after their alleged involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It is estimated that 15,000 Hutu rebels remain active and represent one of the main threats to security in the area. AP has more.