The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ghana took the action after three Ghanaians were reportedly deported from Israel under unacceptable circumstances.
“The government of Ghana will continue to safeguard the dignity of its nationals and also that of other nationals,” the statement said.
The statement said that the charge d’affaires ad interim at the Israeli Embassy in Ghana was summoned to the ministry, in the absence of Israel’s ambassador, and that both governments agreed to pursue an amicable resolution to the impasse.
“We in Ghana deeply value our relations with all friendly countries and expect our citizens to be treated with dignity and respect just the same way as other governments expect us to treat their nationals,” it added.
The immediate focus of the appeal is to help protect the lives of up to 87 million people in need of urgent support with US$23 billion in funding.
The initiative reaffirms the UAE’s unwavering commitment to advancing international efforts to save lives and respond to disasters and crises affecting the most vulnerable populations globally.
This support underscores the vital role of the UAE in promoting multilateral humanitarian action and the nation’s close cooperation with UN agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as well as with relief and development programs operating on the ground, to ensure timely access to aid for those most in need, in line with His Highness’s directives emphasisng a rapid and effective response.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said, “The UAE continues its steadfast commitment to supporting global humanitarian efforts and working with our UN partners to ensure access to aid for those most impacted. This pledge embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reflects our profound belief in the necessity of international solidarity in responding to urgent humanitarian appeals in an effective and sustainable manner that preserves human dignity and protects lives.”
Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA, welcomed the announcement, stating, “Our global appeal is about saving lives where shocks have hit hardest – and turning plans into real protection. The UAE’s rapid and generous backing of our 2026 plan sends a strong signal, focused on people who need it most. We must deliver an effective, innovative response that meets the moment.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, “Warning signs of health system collapse manifest long before it occurs – outbreaks spread, malnutrition increases, and preventable deaths rise. However, when we come together, services can be restored and lives saved. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE for their support, which will provide crucial humanitarian health care to millions in need.”
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated, “UNICEF appreciates the UAE’s generous support, which will go a long way to save and improve the lives of children caught in humanitarian crises. Children are always the most vulnerable when a crisis strikes. As needs outpace funding, this is an especially critical time, building on UNICEF’s strategic partnership with the UAE.”
Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), welcomed the announcement, stating, “We value UAE’s strong commitment to humanitarian efforts.” He added: “While severe funding shortfalls present a significant challenge for millions of vulnerable forcibly displaced people, contributions from governments like the UAE allow UNHCR to enhance its response efforts and provide a glimmer of hope for those in need.”
Cindy McCain, World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director, stated, “As humanitarian needs soar and resources lag dangerously behind, the United Arab Emirates’ generous pledge is a lifeline that will help ensure urgent assistance reaches the people in greatest need. We thank the UAE for its humanitarian leadership in these unprecedented times. WFP stands ready to work with the UAE to ensure this desperately needed support reaches the millions facing acute hunger across the globe.”
This support builds on the strong strategic partnership between the UAE and the United Nations humanitarian system and reaffirms the UAE’s central role in addressing the most pressing humanitarian challenges, enhancing the international community’s ability to protect lives, and supporting stability in crisis-affected areas, in line with His Highness’s directives that reinforce the UAE’s leading approach to global humanitarian action.
Among this year’s top contenders is a unique project that focuses on creating porridge flour from a variety of materials, including chicken eggshells.
The initiative is part of a broader effort supported by the ACCESS project (African Centre for Career Enhancement & Skills Support), which aims to help students implement their business ideas. ACCESS provides the necessary resources and guidance to turn these ideas into tangible and impactful ventures.
Dr. Niyibizi François Xavier, the ACCESS coordinator in Rwanda, explained that the competition’s goal is to offer students the opportunity to bring their creative business ideas to life.
“Many students have great ideas, but lack the resources to implement them. Our project helps them by providing the essential tools to transform their concepts into real-world businesses,” he stated.
This year, the competition started with 49 projects, which were narrowed down to 20. These finalists received business training and further evaluation, resulting in the selection of the top seven. Among them, five projects will receive additional support to begin implementation.
One of the promising projects is by Niyomugabo Thierry and Uwizeyimana Patrick, who are developing a modern toilet design that prevents the spread of diseases.
The toilet will feature self-cleaning technology, which automatically sanitizes itself after use.
“Our research shows that public toilets contribute to the spread of disease, particularly affecting women. Our design will cover the leftover water, preventing contamination,” Niyomugabo explained. “Additionally, it will assist people with disabilities by making it easier to operate,” Uwizeyimana added.
Another standout project comes from Patrick Hans Weedy Jr., who is working on the ‘Bible Coding Academy.’ This project aims to teach young people not only Bible studies but also coding. “Youth today need to integrate their beliefs with practical skills. By combining faith with technology, we can prepare them for the future,” he said.
Tuyizere Patrice is working on a project to produce nutrient-rich flour for porridge and biscuits. The flour will be made from a variety of ingredients, including mushrooms, maize, wheat, and even eggshells. Tuyizere emphasized the nutritional value of eggshells, which are often discarded.
“Eggs are nutritious, and the shells are rich in minerals. We plan to grind the shells into flour, blending it with other ingredients like honey, mushrooms, and maize to create a nutritious porridge flour that will help combat malnutrition and stunting,” he explained.
Irakoze Beni Benjamin is developing a project that involves recycling plastic waste into bricks and paving materials. This initiative aims to reduce environmental damage while providing useful building materials.
“Plastic waste is a major environmental hazard, but it can be repurposed into useful building materials. Our process ensures no harmful emissions are released during recycling,” Irakoze said.
Irikumwenatwe Olivier is working on a technology that will weigh vehicles to ensure they don’t exceed road weight limits. He explained, “Many roads and bridges are damaged by overloaded vehicles. Our technology will allow for real-time weight measurement to ensure vehicles comply with weight restrictions.”
Among others, Sani Raouf is developing assistive technology for people with disabilities, including glasses equipped with cameras and technology that help the visually impaired navigate their surroundings.
In addition, he is working on gloves that translate sign language into speech, helping people with hearing or speech disabilities communicate more easily.
“The glasses will have a camera that tells the wearer what is in front of them, guiding them to their destination. The gloves will help people using sign language communicate with those who don’t understand it by converting signs into speech,” Sani explained.
Lastly, Umutoni Sumaya and Ukunzwenimana Olivier are working on an eco-friendly project to produce fertilizer from agricultural waste and chicken manure. They are also developing a pesticide from ginger peels.
“We realized that agricultural waste and chicken manure are often discarded but can be used to make affordable, environmentally friendly fertilizers,” Umutoni said.
The competition is open to all institutions collaborating with INES Ruhengeri, including universities in the Musanze District.
Under the theme “AI & Emerging Issues: Implications for Teacher-Education Delivery in Africa”, ICAIED 2025 delivers a powerful platform for participants to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching, learning, assessment and research in higher education, with a special focus on teacher training and capacity building.
The conference convened a wide array of stakeholders: university faculty, ministry officials, EdTech developers, policy makers, NGOs, and young researchers, all converging to exchange knowledge, present research, and co-design solutions for the future of African education.
For the University of Kigali, this conference aligns seamlessly with the institution’s strategic drive toward innovation, research excellence, and global relevance. The event exemplifies UoK’s commitment to preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving world where AI and digital competencies are essential.
In her opening address, Prof. Ogechi Adeola, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Enterprise and Chair of ICAIED 2025, delivered a compelling welcome that framed the spirit and purpose of the conference.
She emphasized both the promise of AI for African education and the responsibility to adopt it thoughtfully and ethically.
Reflecting on the transformative moment Africa is experiencing, she noted: “Across Africa, Artificial Intelligence is no longer an abstract concept. It is shaping classrooms in Kigali, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Joburg and beyond. Students are increasingly using AI-powered writing tools, translation apps, learning platforms and automated assessments.” “Yet as we embrace these opportunities, we must also recognise the realities that define our education ecosystem… complex questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, digital sovereignty and ethics demand urgent attention.”
The Vice Chancellor of UoK Prof. George Kimathi reaffirmed the university’s deep alignment with Rwanda’s forward-looking national agenda and its commitment to educational transformation: “At the University of Kigali, we are intentionally embracing Artificial Intelligence and innovation as catalysts for transforming higher education.
Our mission is to equip students with the skills, mindsets, and technological competence required to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. As Rwanda moves boldly toward becoming a knowledge-based, digitally empowered economy, UoK stands ready to produce graduates who will not only participate in that journey but help shape it. We see AI not merely as a tool, but as an opportunity to rethink learning, expand research excellence, and drive impactful innovation across the continent.”
The Chairman of UoK’s Governing Body, Philibert Afrika echoed this vision, underscoring that hosting ICAIED 2025 is a powerful reaffirmation of the University’s mission to lead Africa’s transformation through research-driven innovation, global collaboration, and academic excellence.
Reflecting on the significance of the conference, he stated: “This International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Education is not just a gathering of experts; it is a clear demonstration of our commitment to building an ecosystem where innovation thrives, where ideas are exchanged, and where the future of education is shaped with purpose.”
“In convening scholars, policymakers, technologists, and educators from across Africa and the world, the University of Kigali is positioning Kigali as a continental hub for educational innovation, one that contributes meaningfully to Rwanda’s national development agenda.”
At the national level, Rwanda has positioned itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. The country’s pioneering National Artificial Intelligence Policy, adopted to promote responsible, inclusive AI development, seeks to leverage AI for sustainable growth, education reform, and economic competitiveness.
In her address, Esther Kunda, the Director General for Innovation and Emerging Technologies, representing the Minister of ICT & Innovation, applauded the University of Kigali for convening such a timely and impactful gathering.
Kunda emphasized that Artificial Intelligence is not just a technological trend, but a transformative force shaping how societies learn, work, innovate, and solve problems.
She stated: “Across the world, Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how people learn, work, communicate, and solve problems. For Africa, AI represents not only a technological shift, but an opportunity to accelerate progress in education, strengthen institutions, and empower a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
She further highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to building a digitally empowered nation, grounded in Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Transformation, and the country’s emerging AI coordination frameworks.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of education, Kunda remarked: “AI cannot transform our continent without well-prepared teachers, strong governance systems, and robust institutional capacity… That is why this conference is so important.”
She encouraged delegates to interrogate critical issues of AI ethics, accessibility, equity, and teacher empowerment, noting that solutions must be driven by collective action and cross-border collaboration. She concluded by officially opening ICAIED 2025, reaffirming government support for innovation and strong partnerships with institutions such as UoK.
Dr. Edward Kadozi, Director General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), delivered a powerful keynote that set the tone for the conference.
In his remarks, he highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, while calling for responsible, equitable, and inclusive adoption within African education systems.
“AI is not a magic wand, but it is a powerful set of tools that, used wisely, can strengthen what teachers do best… from amplifying personalized learning to enhancing formative assessment and accelerating professional development.
“But a promise without groundwork risks harm: deepened inequality, lowered standards, and erosion of professional agency. If we are honest about our readiness gaps, we can also be strategic,” he noted.
This sentiment mirrors the objectives of ICAIED 2025. The conference aims to contribute to building an “AI-ready” education ecosystem, supporting teacher capacity, promoting equitable access, and ensuring that AI integration advances national goals under Rwanda’s broader development roadmap, such as its Vision 2050.
The Chairman of UoK’s Board echoed this, noting that hosting ICAIED 2025 reaffirms the university’s mission to lead in research, global collaboration, and academic excellence, positioning Kigali as a hub of educational innovation for Africa.
ICAIED 2025 has drawn an impressive mix of participants: veteran professors, policy analysts, EdTech entrepreneurs, government regulators, and young researchers from more than half a dozen countries across Africa. Their presence underscores the university’s international reach and the global importance of the conference themes.
Sessions include keynote lectures, thematic panels, workshops, and breakout group discussions on topics ranging from adaptive learning systems, AI-driven assessment, ethics and data governance, to AI’s role in narrowing the digital divide and promoting equity in education.
ICAIED 2025 delivers value across the entire education ecosystem: for educators and institutions, it offers a vital opportunity to stay ahead of global trends, adopt AI-powered teaching tools, and build capacity for future-oriented education delivery; for policy-makers and regulators, the conference’s insights and recommendations contribute directly to strengthening national frameworks governing AI integration in higher education, ensuring alignment with national policies and sector strategic plans; and for students and youth, it signals expanding opportunities through personalized, adaptive, and digitally inclusive learning pathways, preparing graduates with the AI-enhanced skills needed to compete and succeed in a globalized world.
As Rwanda positions itself as Africa’s centre for AI research and innovation, initiatives such as ICAIED 2025 demonstrate how academic institutions can lead the way. The University of Kigali calls on governments, private sector players, development partners, and educators across Africa to embrace AI responsibly and ethically as a key enabler of transformation in education and beyond. ICAIED 2025 is more than a conference; it is a bold step toward a future where AI and education converge to unlock Africa’s potential.
The conference received strong continental support, led by Afreximbank as the Gold Sponsor, reaffirming its Pan-African mandate to transform Africa’s trade landscape.
A four-minute Afreximbank corporate video powerfully illustrated the Bank’s mission, strategic pillars, including Intra-African Trade, Industrialisation and Export Development, Leadership in Global Trade Banking, and Financial Sustainability, and its flagship initiatives advancing trade, investment, and social impact across the continent.
Additional sponsorship from Cavalli Business & Investment Limited and DT Autocafe, as Silver Sponsors, further strengthened the event’s success and visibility, demonstrating the private sector’s commitment to advancing Africa’s innovation and development agenda.
At a meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives on the day, Takaichi expressed her deep regret as the chapter representative for accepting donations in violation of the political funds control law, adding that her chapter had already returned the exceeded amount, the report said.
On Dec. 4, Kobe Gakuin University Professor Hiroshi Kamiwaki filed a complaint against Takaichi with prosecutors, saying the local chapter of the LDP in Nara Prefecture, represented by Takaichi, received a donation of 10 million yen (about 64,400 U.S. dollars) from a Tokyo company on Aug. 26 last year, surpassing the 7.5 million yen limit allowed by law for that particular type of donor.
The cases add to the ruling LDP’s slush fund scandal, first revealed in 2023, in which some party factions of the LDP allegedly instructed member lawmakers to sell political fundraising party tickets beyond their assigned quotas without recording the amount as revenue in its political fund reports, and then funneled the surplus back to lawmakers as kickbacks, creating off-the-books funds.
Among the senior officials Takaichi appointed after taking office in October, seven have been linked to the LDP’s slush fund scandal. Critics said her ambiguous stance on the scandal suggests limited willingness to push for fundamental reform.
This condemnation was issued in a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 10, 2025.
The statement emphasizes that the responsibility for the ongoing attacks and fighting in South Kivu DRC cannot be placed on Rwanda.
It accuses the FARDC and FDNB, in coalition with the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, Wazalendo, and foreign mercenaries, of bombing civilian villages, and which the AFC/M23 has said it has been forced to counter.
“Rwanda condemns the Congolese Army [FARDC] and the Burundian Army [FDNB], together with its coalition of the DRC-backed FDLR genocidal militias, Wazalendo and foreign mercenaries, and have been systematically bombing civilian villages close to the Rwandan border,” the statement reads.
“These deliberate violations of recently negotiated agreements constitute serious obstacles to peace, resulting in the continued suffering of the population in Eastern DRC, as well as a security threat to Rwanda’s western border,” adds the statement.
The statement further highlights the consequences of these actions, specifically the past week’s bombing of Kamanyola from Burundi, which has led to the displacement of over 1,000 Congolese citizens.
These refugees have crossed into Rwanda and are being accommodated at the Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Bugarama, Southern Rwanda.
The Burundian Army, which has reportedly amassed close to 20,000 troops in South Kivu, is accused of laying siege to Banyamulenge villages in Minembwe. This siege is described as a deliberate attempt to starve the residents and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The statement also pointed out DRC’s relenting commitment having openly stated its intention to disregard the ceasefire and continue its military offensive to recapture territories lost to AFC/M23, even while peace talks were ongoing.
In addition, the failure of the DRC to neutralize the FDLR as stipulated in the June 2025 Peace Agreement continues to delay the resolution of the conflict in Eastern DRC, the ultimate goal of the Washington Accords.
“It is now clear that the DRC was never ready to commit to peace, even as President Tshisekedi participated in the 4th December ceremony, as if forced to sign the Accords,” the statement reads.
In the past week, the European Commission opened two antitrust investigations into U.S. tech giant Google and Meta, and fined Elon Musk’s platform X 120 million euros (about 139.49 million U.S. dollars) in its first non-compliance decision under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Simultaneously, the White House published a new National Security Strategy warning that Europe faces the “prospect of civilizational erasure.” This has triggered an unusually sharp backlash from European leaders.
Analysts say the rift between the United States and Europe is widening, a trend that is reinforcing Europe’s drive for greater “strategic autonomy” and making the split increasingly difficult to reverse.
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On Dec. 5, the European Commission issued its first non-compliance decision under the DSA, fining X 120 million euros for the deceptive design of its blue checkmark, a lack of transparency in its advertising repository, and failing to provide researchers with access to public data.
X owner Elon Musk then blasted the European Union (EU) for the fine, warning that his response would target the officials responsible for the penalty.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned the fine as an attack on American companies and an act of censorship against Americans online. Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau argued that the EU’s regulatory stance could damage shared Western security and values.
However, EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen has insisted the law “has nothing to do with censorship.”
On Tuesday, the Commission opened a separate antitrust investigation into whether Google has breached EU anticompetitive rules.
U.S. National Public Radio said that Europe has been striving to establish itself as the global authority for digital regulation. The Trump administration has pushed back against perceived curbs on U.S. companies’ profits, highlighting a growing division over the concept of digital sovereignty, which has transformed long-standing allies into competitors.
{{U.S. security strategy rattles Europe}}
While the tech battles have exposed an economic rift, the new U.S. National Security Strategy has raised the issues of identity and values.
Several U.S. and European outlets have pointed out that in the 30-page document, barely two and a half pages are devoted to Europe, a level of neglect they say no previous U.S. strategy document has shown toward its European allies.
Analysts believe the new Strategy underlines how Europe is being pushed down the list of U.S. priorities. “For Trump, however, Europe seems increasingly irrelevant or, on a bad day, even an adversary,” said Leonard A. Schuette, an international security program fellow at the Belfer Center at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Some experts also argue that the strategy extends the rift into the realm of the shared values that once underpinned the transatlantic security alliance. The Financial Times reported that the document “highlights the ideological gulf that has opened up between Washington and its traditional allies.”
The Strategy also calls on the U.S. to “cultivate resistance within European nations” to what it describes as Europe’s current trajectory, and commends far-right “patriotic” parties across the continent.
Liana Fix, a senior fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, pointed out that the document frames Europe’s problems in “civilizational” terms, which is radically different from any past administration’s view of Europe. Fix concluded that it “marks the end of the transatlantic alliance based on liberal values.”
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Europe’s drive for strategic autonomy is looking more urgent than ever, faced with tariff threats, tech enforcement battles, and the new U.S. strategy document.
From U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s blunt criticism of Europe at the Munich Security Conference early this year, to the U.S. tendency to bypass European allies in negotiations on Ukraine, the pattern of “America First” decisions has pushed Europe toward strengthening its own strategic autonomy.
In recent months, the EU has invoked its digital regulations to launch a series of enforcement actions against major U.S. tech firms. Analysts describe these moves as a direct response to the U.S. use of tariff threats to interfere with the bloc’s digital regulatory agenda.
At the same time, several European countries have begun raising defense budgets and expanding joint military cooperation in an effort to reduce long-standing dependence on the U.S. in security and defense.
A recent paper published by the European Union Institute for Security Studies warns that Europe is not facing a “storm that will pass.” It is a multi-round contest in which power, alliances, and resilience are built over time, the paper said.
To prepare for what comes next, the paper urges Europe to “collect more cards and learn to play them smartly,” including boosting defense capabilities, investing in strategic industries, and rebuilding Europe’s economic security, so it can safeguard its own security and democratic future. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollars)
According to a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day forum provides a key platform to advance the agenda on women’s rights, peace, and security.
In his opening remarks, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti welcomed the African Union’s (AU) decision to hold the forum in Tunisia for the first time outside AU headquarters, noting that it reflects Tunisia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African partners at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
He emphasized that the current global context calls for greater solidarity and coordinated action to tackle shared challenges, particularly in peace and security.
Nafti also stressed that lasting peace requires preventive, comprehensive approaches that address structural causes such as inequality and poverty, which fuel marginalization and exclusion.
The opening session brought together representatives of AU member states, regional and international organizations, and civil society groups.
This year’s event was attended by Marta Nawrocka, the wife of Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who took the opportunity to explore various exhibits from around the world, including Rwanda’s unique offerings.
The SHOM Charity Bazaar, which highlights the best products from participating countries, raises funds for charitable initiatives supported by non-governmental organizations in Poland and abroad.
This year, the event aimed to assist 17 organizations, including a Polish initiative that established a school for visually impaired children in Kibeho, Rwanda.
Rwanda’s booth featured a selection of its renowned products, including coffee, tea, baskets, and traditional crafts, which attracted a large crowd.
Marta Nawrocka visited the Rwandan booth, where she was warmly welcomed by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Poland, Prof. Shyaka Anastase, and his wife, Beata Shyaka. They took the opportunity to explain the significance of Rwanda’s products and the country’s rich culture.
The event, which took place just ahead of Christmas, was also attended by children from a local kindergarten in the Siemiatycze district.
Upon reaching the Rwandan booth, the children were greeted by Ambassador Shyaka and performed Christmas songs in Kinyarwanda, proudly waving Rwandan flags.
Amb. Shyaka expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to showcasing Rwanda’s cultural and artisanal treasures.
He particularly thanked the children for bringing the spirit of Christmas to the event through their songs in Kinyarwanda, offering a glimpse of Rwanda’s vibrant culture to attendees at the charity bazaar.
On August 7, 2023, IRMCT judges decided to suspend Kabuga’s trial, explaining that he was unable to stand trial due to his medical condition, including dementia.
After receiving a request from the prosecution to temporarily release Kabuga and send him to Rwanda—the only country willing to accept him— the Trial Chamber rejected the request on November 14, 2025, deciding that there was no need to consider whether Rwanda would be an appropriate State for Kabuga’s release.
On November 28, the prosecution filed an appeal, urging IRMCT judges to reverse their decision and send Kabuga to Rwanda to avoid continued detention, arguing that no other country had agreed to accept him.
The prosecution further explained that the judges’ decision on November 14 overlooked reports from doctors, including Dr. Liam Scott, which indicated that Kabuga could be transported by air ambulance to Rwanda without endangering his health.
The prosecution emphasized that there was no hope of finding another country willing to accept Kabuga, citing that in 2023 alone, one European country rejected his request for asylum three times, and another rejected it once.
Kabuga’s continued detention at the IRMCT detention facility in The Hague is also financially burdensome. The prosecution stated that Kabuga and three other detainees cost the tribunal $2 million annually.
In a recent ruling led by Iain Bonomy, the judges called for European countries that had rejected Kabuga’s transfer to reconsider their stance. Prosecutor Serge Brammertz has described this as pressure on the countries to accept Kabuga.
The prosecution noted, “The Trial Chamber’s November 2025 request for these European States to reconsider Kabuga’s requests for residency underscores its inability to resolve the matter. This renewed pressure on these States to welcome Kabuga into their territory is difficult to understand.”
The prosecution argued that Kabuga, who is facing charges related to genocide, does not qualify for protection under European refugee laws due to the serious international crimes he is accused of.
It further stated, “Kabuga, indicted for genocide, is excluded from protection under the Refugee Convention and European law, considered ‘undeserving of international protection’ because there are ‘serious reasons’ for considering that he committed international crimes.
“Not only is he subject to a confirmed genocide indictment—he also has a long history of evading justice, including in at least one of the States where he seeks release.”
The prosecution reminded the judges that the decision made two years ago to delay Kabuga’s trial clearly indicated the urgency of his temporary release, and that efforts should be made to release him to Rwanda.
It stated, “The record is clear that Rwanda is the only realistic option and that an air ambulance can safely fly him there.”
The IRMCT Appeals Chamber has been asked to intervene in this case and make a decision on whether to temporarily release Kabuga to Rwanda, or to submit the case to the President of the Tribunal, Graciela Gatti Santana, to make a ruling based on the authority granted by law.
On December 8, 2025, President of the IRMCT, Santana, decided to appoint a panel of three judges—Carmel Agius, Burton Hall, and Liu Daqun—to review the prosecution’s appeal.
