The statement was delivered by Rwanda's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Martin Ngoga, during a Security Council meeting on December 10 convened to discuss the future of the Mechanism.
Ambassador Ngoga emphasised Rwanda's principled stance, grounded in nearly three decades of cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and its residual mechanism. He noted that with the judicial docket completed, only administrative and custodial functions remain, making it imperative to streamline operations and responsibly transition tasks that no longer require an international tribunal.
'Rwanda values the continued cooperation between the Prosecutor's Office and national jurisdictions, whose expertise is indispensable in pursuing, arresting, and transferring fugitives wanted for genocide,' Ambassador Ngoga said. 'We call for this collaboration to be strengthened until all remaining fugitives indicted by Rwanda are brought to justice.'
The Rwandan diplomat also highlighted Rwanda's readiness to assume remaining custodial responsibilities and enforcement of sentences. Since 2009, Rwanda has served as an enforcement state for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, successfully managing transferred convicts under strict international standards. Rwanda's correctional facilities, including Nyanza/Mpanga and Nyarugenge, are built to international standards and provide medical care, family access, and structured communication in compliance with global norms.
Rwanda also underscored its readiness to host ICTR and Mechanism archives, noting its fully digitised archival systems, purpose-built facilities, and guaranteed funding.
'The ICTR and Mechanism records constitute the authoritative historical account of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Their long-term future must be secure, responsible, and anchored in the country most directly concerned,' Ambassador Ngoga said.
Addressing the issue of fugitives living freely abroad, Rwanda expressed concern over sustained non-cooperation by certain states, which it said obstructs justice, fuels denial, and revictimizes survivors. Ambassador Ngoga called on the Council to act decisively against the continued impunity of individuals who have evaded accountability for over three decades.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to the legacy of accountability established by the ICTR and carried forward by the Mechanism, stressing the importance of securing archives, concluding custodial responsibilities, and ensuring a principled closure of the institution.
The statement also addressed specific cases, including the relocation of Félicien Kabuga, who remains in The Hague pending a decision on his transfer, and individuals stranded in Niger. The latter group includes Major François-Xavier Nzuwonemeye, Prosper Mugiraneza (former Labour Minister), Col. Alphonse Nteziryayo, André Ntagerura, and Capt. Innocent Sagahutu. Rwanda reiterated its preparedness to receive all of them with full guarantees.'
'Rwanda will continue to cooperate fully and constructively, and to uphold justice, accountability, and the preservation of historical truth,' Ambassador Ngoga said. 'We are ready to take on all responsibilities required to ensure an orderly and principled conclusion to the Mechanism's mandate.'
The ICTR served as the principal international tribunal to prosecute those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It was formally closed on December 31, 2015. By the time of its closure, the Tribunal had indicted 93 individuals and concluded proceedings for 82, resulting in 61 convictions and 14 acquittals.
Additionally, it issued a total of 55 first-instance judgments and 45 appeal judgments. Remaining cases, primarily fugitives still at large and some matters referred to national jurisdictions, were transferred to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals to ensure the completion of the Tribunal's work.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
