Speaking during a debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), Ngoga reaffirmed Rwanda's unwavering commitment to accountability, truth, and reconciliation, while highlighting persistent challenges in apprehending fugitives and combating genocide denial.
Addressing the Assembly, Ambassador Ngoga praised the IRMCT and its predecessor, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), as 'indispensable pillars' in holding accountable those responsible for the genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. However, he emphasised that significant gaps remain, particularly in the pursuit of over 1,400 indicted individuals who are still at large.
'Rwanda has repeatedly drawn attention to a pattern of insufficient cooperation by some states, whether through failure to arrest, to extradite, or to prosecute those indicted,' Ngoga stated, noting that in some cases, justice has been delayed for years due to reluctance by certain nations to act on formal requests.
The ambassador underscored Rwanda's readiness to take on greater responsibility as the IRMCT nears the completion of its mandate. Rwanda has offered to enforce the sentences of 25 convicted persons in compliance with international standards, building on a 2008 agreement with the UN that Ngoga described as a 'milestone in cooperation.'
He affirmed that Rwanda views this role not as a burden but as a continuation of its national journey toward justice and reconciliation, which began in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
'Rwanda remains in strict compliance with the agreement,' Ngoga said, confirming that no obstacles exist to its full implementation.
Ngoga also addressed the situation of six acquitted or released individuals currently relocated to Niger, stressing that Rwanda is prepared to receive them as free citizens.
'There should be no prolonged ambiguity regarding their status or place of residence when the country of origin has expressed readiness to receive its nationals,' he argued, calling for a precedent to guide the management of both convicts and those who have completed their sentences.
The individuals include Major François-Xavier Nzuwonemeye, Prosper Mugiraneza (former Labour Minister), Col. Alphonse Nteziryayo, André Ntagerura and Capt. Innocent Sagahutu.
A major concern raised by Ngoga was the growing threat of genocide denial, distortion, and revisionism, which he warned not only reopens wounds for survivors but also seeks to erase the truth established by international justice. To counter this, Rwanda has proposed taking custodianship of the ICTR and IRMCT archives, which serve as vital repositories of testimony, memory, and evidence.
'Building on its experience in preserving Gacaca and other genocide archives, Rwanda possesses the institutional capacity to ensure their security, accessibility, and educational value for future generations,' Ngoga told the Assembly.
The ambassador called for sustained cooperation between the IRMCT, member states, and national authorities to ensure the progress of the past three decades does not fade. He urged the Office of the Prosecutor and UN bodies to continue supporting capacity building and technical assistance for national jurisdictions, enabling them to address genocide and crimes against humanity effectively.
'The nightmare of impunity must not outlast the institutions we built to confront it,' Ngoga declared.
In a direct appeal to the Security Council and member states, Ngoga reiterated Rwanda's readiness to assume the IRMCT's residual functions, including hosting convicted individuals and safeguarding the archives. He emphasised Rwanda's unique position due to its geographic and institutional proximity to the ICTR's work, making it well-suited to carry forward the achievements of international criminal justice.
'We call upon this Assembly and all member states to renew their cooperation to arrest fugitives, to extradite or prosecute those indicted, and to support the preservation of the archives,' he urged, reinforcing Rwanda's resolve to ensure that the legacy of the ICTR and IRMCT endures for future generations.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
