The central bank announced on Monday that the offering will run from December 15 to December 17, 2025, giving investors an opportunity to participate in a competitive bidding process.
The bonds, which will mature in 2040, offer investors regular interest payments throughout their term. The minimum investment is Frw 100,000, while individual investors can place bids of up to Frw 50 million. Successful bidders will be notified via email by 5:00 PM on December 17, 2025.
Investors who wish to access funds before maturity can do so through the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE). Through licensed brokers, bondholders can sell their holdings at market prices, providing flexibility and liquidity.
Government bonds in Rwanda are issued both as new issues and through reopenings, with maturities ranging from 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, to 20 years. They provide a safe, long-term investment, allowing individuals to plan for goals such as children’s education, retirement, or major projects.
By purchasing government bonds, investors lend funds to the state while earning predictable returns. At maturity, the principal is fully repaid, and interest payments are made on schedule. The use of Rwandan francs ensures local participation, and the bonds are issued monthly to meet both investor demand and government financing needs.
This latest reopening offers a secure and flexible investment opportunity for individuals and institutions, while supporting Rwanda’s broader economic development.
The program, launched in March 2025, brought together 24 professional women from financial institutions, who joined 78 other women from various sectors under the broader LiftHerUp program this year, bringing the total to 102 participants. Through a structured mentorship journey combining group mentorship, optional one-on-one sessions and monthly masterclasses delivered both virtually and in person, participants strengthened their leadership capacity and career direction.
The program concluded on Friday, December 12, 2025, with a colourful and engaging closing ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, themed “Owning Your Growth,” where participants themselves led the event, shared impact stories and reflected on their nine-month journey.
According to organisers, the program recorded an average satisfaction rating of 4.74 out of 5, with most participants indicating they would recommend it to others.
Beyond satisfaction, the mentorship delivered tangible outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, improved leadership skills, expanded professional networks and clearer career goals. Several women also shared experiences of promotions and successful career transitions linked to insights and accountability gained through mentorship.
A panel discussion during the closing event brought together senior leaders Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda; and Florida Kabasinga, Founder and Managing Partner of Certa Law.
Dr. Karusisi said mentorship plays a critical role in helping women see leadership as attainable.
“My objective was to demystify leadership, to show that leaders are just normal human beings and that anyone in this room can aspire to lead,” she said.
Mutimura, who attended the event as a supporter of the program, said intentional growth and continuous learning are essential for long-term success.
“Growth doesn’t happen by accident; you must be intentional and consistent,” he told participants, adding that mentorship remains close to his heart.
Kabasinga said she accepted the invitation to support the program because of her passion for empowering women, encouraging participants to take ownership of their journeys and not shy away from ambition.
The 2025 cohort drew women professionals from a wide range of organisations, including Bralirwa, Irembo, Bank of Kigali, Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), MTN, Ecobank, Canal+, Old Mutual, NCBA, I&M Bank, Sanlam, One Acre Fund, Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Umwalimu SACCO, among other leading institutions.
Speaking on the program’s impact, Belinda Bwiza, Co-Founder of Women in Finance Rwanda, noted that initiatives like LiftHerUp play a critical role in strengthening women’s representation in leadership by addressing both skills and confidence gaps that often hold women back.
“We are building a movement that is much bigger than any of us,” she said, encouraging participants and mentors to continue engaging and paying the impact forward.
Salma Habib-Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, said the partnership with Women in Finance Rwanda helped deepen the program’s reach within the financial sector, including the full sponsorship of 24 participants.
“This is just the beginning, next year we expect the partnership to grow even stronger,” she said, adding that the collaboration with WIFR has strengthened trust and engagement within the sector and is expected to grow in future cohorts.
She emphasised that mentorship remains one of the most effective tools for growth, noting that while education provides knowledge, mentorship creates space for reflection, practical learning, and intentional decision-making that supports long-term leadership development. For many participants, the program marked a turning point in how they approach their careers and leadership roles.
Umutoneshwa Luminaire Sacrée, an ESMS Lead at Bank of Kigali, said the mentorship helped her move from doubt to decisive action.
“Before LiftHerUp, I doubted whether my decisions were truly taking me forward, even when others believed in me. A turning point was when my mentor encouraged me to follow up on a role I’d been considered for. I pushed through the discomfort, and I got the position,” she said.
Linda Rubanza, a Sales Officer at I&M Bank Rwanda (Cohort 2025), said the program strengthened her confidence and clarified her career direction.
“The program gave me the clarity I needed, strengthened my confidence and shifted my mindset toward continuous growth. Today, I approach challenges with a growth mindset and feel more prepared to seize opportunities,” she said.
Launched in 2023, Women in Finance Rwanda (WIFR) is a foundation dedicated to empowering women to excel in their careers and navigate the evolving finance industry.
The LiftHerUp x WIFR Mentorship Program builds on the wider LiftHerUp initiative, which has supported over 400 women since its inception four years ago. Organisers say they remain committed to expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening women’s leadership pipelines in Rwanda and beyond.
The star-studded gathering drew government officials, celebrities, former pageant contestants, and sports stars, celebrating the journey of a young woman whose life story goes far beyond the crown.
Among the notable attendees were the Minister of Public Service and Labour, Ambassador Christine Nkurikiyinka, and former Miss Rwanda winners, including Jolly Mutesi, Liliane Iradukunda, and Meghan Nimwiza. Previous contestants such as Darina Kayumba, Claudine Muyango, Pamella Uwicyeza, and Shanitah Umunyana also graced the occasion.
“We are here to support you, we are behind you, and I hope everyone in this room will go out as your ambassadors,” the Minister remarked.
The event also featured celebrities such as Bull Dogg, Juno Kizigenza, Christopher, and Ruti Joel, who entertained the guests, alongside performances by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. APR BBC basketball stars Ntore Habimana, Adonis Filer, and Axel Mpoyo also attended as special guests, interacting with attendees and joining in the celebrations.
One of the most notable announcements of the evening was Nishimwe’s initiative to distribute more than 10,000 copies of her memoir to schools and community libraries across Rwanda. Targeting young people who may not have access to books, the initiative aims to empower youth to read, dream, and work toward brighter futures. Each book is priced at 40,000 Rwandan francs, and several attendees immediately pledged support, placing orders to contribute to the program.
{{A memoir of growth, faith, and resilience
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More Than a Crown chronicles Nishimwe’s life before, during, and after her reign as Miss Rwanda. The memoir explores her childhood, struggles with self-esteem, mental health challenges, and the pressures of social media, as well as insights into her marriage to Michael Tesfay in December 2024.
Nishimwe uses the book to reflect on moments of joy and hardship, offering readers lessons in resilience, faith, and personal growth.
“Before the crown, there was Naomie. There was Naomie with the crown, and now there’s Naomie after the crown. Wearing the crown felt like a season, but not my whole identity. This book is for everyone, to inspire each person who feels unseen or misunderstood by society,” Nishimwe shared.
“Tonight we’re not just launching a book, we’re celebrating a journey. More Than a Crown is a reminder that every person is more than the titles people give them, more than their past, more than their struggles, and more than the crown society places on them.”
During the launch, Nishimwe recounted that Chapter 9, which deals with loss and personal pain, was particularly challenging to write.
“It was a big conversation with myself, full of so much pain. Sharing it helps me heal and create a safe space for others to feel seen and understood,” she explained.
During post-launch interviews, Nishimwe expressed her excitement at the overwhelming support from attendees, with over 100 copies signed during the event alone. She emphasised the importance of her book donation initiative, noting that most of her followers are high school-aged and that the program is designed to give back and encourage young readers.
“The moment this book inspires people to dream big, believe in themselves, and step out of their comfort zones, that is when I know it has succeeded,” Nishimwe said.
She also revealed plans to take the memoir on a global tour next year, including Uganda, Kenya, the U.S., and Europe, aiming to create a community where people can share their stories without judgment.
Her husband, Michael Tesfay, delivered a heartfelt tribute, praising the memoir as a reflection of Nishimwe’s courage, authenticity, and journey of growth.
“This book is more than a story; it is a reflection of her heart, her strength, and her courage to be vulnerable in front of the world,” Tesfay said.
Representatives from Imagine We Publishers highlighted the importance of amplifying African voices and stories that reflect contemporary challenges and triumphs. The memoir, they said, represents the post-genocide generation navigating modern life with resilience and hope.
More Than a Crown is available through Imagine We Publishers in Rwanda and is also available to a global readership on Amazon.
The one-day experience brought together more than 60 participants, including popular personalities such as Social Mulla, Ndimbati, Fally Merci, Rusine, Umushumba and Papy Ndahiro, for a mix of adventure and exploration in one of Rwanda’s most iconic natural reserves.
Setting off early in the morning, the group immersed themselves in three of Nyungwe’s signature attractions: ziplining, the canopy walk and guided hiking through the rainforest.
The highlight of the day was the ziplining experience, which unfolded across three sections named after Nyungwe’s famous primates. Participants first crossed the 335-metre Chimpanzee Section, followed by the 580-metre Colobus Section, before concluding with the Monkey Section, the longest stretch spanning 1,020 metres. The experience offered sweeping aerial views of the dense forest canopy below.
After ziplining, the group proceeded to the Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge that provided a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest, allowing participants to experience Nyungwe from a rare and elevated perspective. The adventure concluded with a guided hike, during which participants learned more about the park’s rich biodiversity, flora and fauna.
Speaking to IGIHE, event organiser Amen Babu Rugemana expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors and celebrities whose online engagement helped amplify the experience.
“I want to thank everyone who made this trip possible, our sponsors, partners and the celebrities who shared photos and videos from the tour. Their support helps showcase Rwanda’s beauty and tourism potential,” he said.
Buoyed by the positive response, Rugemana revealed plans to organise more similar trips aimed at encouraging Rwandans to explore local destinations.
“This was just the beginning. Many people are eager to discover Nyungwe and other attractions. I want to continue making these experiences accessible and bring people together to enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty,” he added.
Beyond adventure and entertainment, the tour aimed to inspire greater appreciation of Rwanda’s natural heritage, encouraging locals to explore and take pride in the country’s ecological treasures.
The growing attraction and adventure facilities at Nyungwe are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to leverage its natural heritage for sustainable tourism growth. Over the past year, Nyungwe National Park welcomed more than 26,000 visitors, a 20 per cent increase from 2023, generating over $2 million in revenue.
Nationwide, Rwanda’s tourism sector earned over $647 million in 2024, a 4.3% rise compared to the previous year. That figure stood at just $7 million in 2005. The country now targets $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.
Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. It is home to 98 mammal species, including 13 species of primates, representing 12% of all primates in Africa. The park also shelters over 1,000 species of flowering plants, 240 species of trees, and 320 species of birds, some of which are endemic.
This richness led to Nyungwe’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, further strengthening its role as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s conservation and eco-tourism strategy.
Addressing Council members on Friday, December 12, during a briefing on the DRC and the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, Amb. Ngoga urged the Council to base its decisions on verified facts from the field, particularly amid worsening violence targeting the Banyamulenge and other Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsi communities in South Kivu.
He stressed that as MONUSCO’s mandate comes up for renewal, Rwanda expects a mission firmly anchored in the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Framework, which he described as the only viable pathways to sustainable peace.
Critics say MONUSCO has failed to stabilize eastern DRC, despite more than 20 years of UN peacekeeping and tens of billions of dollars in funding.
Amb. Ngoga said the next MONUSCO mandate must prioritise strict impartiality and political neutrality, effective support to ceasefire implementation, political dialogue, and robust compliance with human rights due diligence policies.
He cautioned against offensive operations targeting parties previously engaged in political processes and called for a realistic, resource-conscious focus on stability, accountability, and political solutions.
“MONUSCO’s effectiveness will depend on how well it aligns its operations with the political tracks that offer the only viable path forward,” he said, reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to fully implement its obligations under the Washington Peace Agreement.
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Turning to the situation in South Kivu, Amb. Ngoga delivered a detailed account of what he described as systematic persecution of the Banyamulenge community dating back to 2017.
He told the Council that more than 85 percent of Banyamulenge villages in South Kivu have been destroyed, while an estimated 700,000 cattle, the community’s main economic lifeline, have been raided or killed.
He cited multiple incidents from 2025, including ultimatums issued by Wazalendo militias and elements of the Congolese army (FARDC) demanding that Banyamulenge civilians leave Uvira or face death, denial of access to water points, abductions, killings, and attacks accompanied by chants calling for the community’s extermination.
“These are early warning indicators of atrocity crimes, discrimination, dehumanisation, forced displacement, and the denial of basic services,” he said.
Amb. Ngoga also raised alarm over the deployment of tens of thousands of Burundian soldiers into South Kivu at the invitation of the Congolese government, operating alongside FARDC, the FDLR, and allied militias.
He said coordinated military blockades imposed on Banyamulenge areas, particularly in the Minembwe Highlands, have deprived civilians of food, medicine, and humanitarian access for nearly a year.
He further highlighted repeated air attacks carried out by Congolese government forces and their allies, including drone strikes near internally displaced persons’ camps in Mikenge and Nzibira, and said at least 50 air attacks were recorded between March and December this year.
“No one is speaking about this,” he told the Council, adding that Rwanda has repeatedly raised these concerns with mediators, Council members, and regional mechanisms without response.
Drawing on historical parallels, Amb. Ngoga recalled how diplomats in the same chamber spoke out during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, despite never having been on the ground, and said their courage saved lives.
“As a former investigator, I know the importance of recreating the scene,” he said, urging the Security Council to use its authority to establish the factual reality in South Kivu rather than rely on silence or denial.
He also reiterated Rwanda’s long-standing concern over the continued presence of the FDLR in eastern DRC, describing it as an existential threat to Rwanda and its people, and accusing successive Congolese governments of supporting the group despite existing UN resolutions. The militia group comprises remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to eastern DRC.
Amb. Ngoga’s remarks come against the backdrop of rapidly changing dynamics in South Kivu. On 10 December 2025, the rebel coalition AFC/M23 confirmed the capture of the strategic city of Uvira, marking its deepest advance in the province this year.
The group described the takeover as a liberation and accused Kinshasa of repeated ceasefire violations, hate speech, and attacks against Kinyarwanda-speaking communities. It also cited direct military involvement by Burundi and cited the prolonged blockade of Minembwe, which has forced thousands of civilians to flee, many seeking refuge in Rwanda.
Addressing the escalating situation, Amb. Ngoga stressed that Rwanda is not seeking war and has no intention of engaging in conflict with Burundi. He called for renewed international support to ongoing mediation efforts, particularly those led by the United States and Qatar, and urged all parties to implement agreed commitments in good faith.
“This conflict has gone on for too long,” he said. “If we all commit to the Washington Agreement and fully support the Doha process, there is still a possibility for a peaceful solution.”
The fourth edition of the Africa Youth Games is taking place in Luanda, Angola, from 10 to 20 December 2025, with 54 countries participating. Rwanda is competing in six sports: Athletics, 3×3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Table Tennis, Swimming, and Cycling.
In the cycling events held on 12 and 13 December, Akimana teamed up with Iransetsa Amina. While Akimana stood on the podium twice, finishing second in the time trial and third in the road race, Iransetsa placed 17th.
Strong performances at the games, held in Angola for the first time, will help Rwandan athletes qualify for the Youth Olympic Games scheduled in Dakar in 2026.
The attacks resulted in six fatalities and eight injuries, all members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent serving in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, the UN chief said in a statement.
Guterres expressed his “deepest and heartfelt condolences” to the government and people of Bangladesh and to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
“Attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and I remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians,” he said. “There will need to be accountability.”
In the statement, the UN chief reiterated the call on the warring parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and resume talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process.
The Sudanese Armed Forces have accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out the strike, a claim the RSF has denied.
Diana Orembe, co-founder of Tanzania-based biotech company NovFeed, won the top prize of $300,000 (approximately Rwf 437 million). NovFeed converts food waste into sustainable fish feed, helping smallholder farmers reduce costs while increasing yields and profitability. Orembe’s solution has already benefited more than 2,000 farmers, demonstrating the practical impact of biotechnology on African aquaculture.
Second place went to Adriaan Kruger of South Africa, founder of nuvoteQ, a digital platform for clinical trials that strengthens Africa’s healthcare research capacity. The South African pocketed $250,000 (Rwf 364 million) in grant funding for his venture.
Abraham Mbuthia from Kenya, founder and CEO of Uzapoint Technologies, finished third, receiving $150,000 (Rwf 218 million). His company provides digital infrastructure to over 3,500 SMEs and facilitates more than $200 million in transactions. The remaining seven finalists each received US$100,000, bringing total grants awarded to $1.5 million.
“These entrepreneurs are not only innovating and creating jobs within their sectors; but are inspirational examples of resilience and execution,” said Jason Pau, International Executive Director of the Jack Ma Foundation, during the awards ceremony in Kigali.
This year’s top ten finalists, selected from over 32,000 applicants, represented seven African nations and a variety of high-impact sectors. Kenya had three finalists: Wyclife Onyango of BuuPass (transport and digital ticketing), Janet Kuteli of Fortune Credit (fintech), and Abraham Mbuthia of Uzapoint Technologies.
Rwanda was represented by Diane Mukasahaha of DIKAM Ltd, a textile enterprise empowering women and youth. Tanzania’s Baraka Chijenga of Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa joined Orembe in showcasing AgriTech innovation. Other finalists included Siny Samba of Senegal, Gohar Said of Egypt, and Jean Lobe Lobe of Cameroon.
The summit, themed “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” brought together over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders. Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang, Nigerian banker Ibukun Awosika, and Diane Karusisi, CEO of the Bank of Kigali, served on the judging panel. Yang praised Kigali as a hub for Africa’s future, noting that the event highlighted the continent’s problem-solving spirit.
“This is my first time to Rwanda [and] what a joy it is to start here in Kigali; to see the focus, the intention and forward-looking” nature of the entrepreneurs, said Yang.
The Africa’s Business Heroes competition, organised by the Jack Ma Foundation since 2019 and supported by Alibaba Philanthropy, aims to recognise 100 outstanding African entrepreneurs over a ten-year period through grant funding, training and ecosystem support. Since its launch, the initiative has received more than 150,000 applications.
Rwanda hosted the ABH finale in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, which congratulated the winners and lauded the platform for convening innovators from across Africa.
The two-day summit, hosted in Kigali for the third consecutive year under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” celebrates African entrepreneurship and showcases homegrown solutions transforming sectors from agriculture and biotech to fintech, health, and manufacturing. The programme, founded by Alibaba Philanthropy and inspired by Jack Ma’s 2017 visit to Africa, has grown into one of the continent’s most influential entrepreneurship competitions.
This year, ABH attracted a record-breaking 32,000 applications from across the continent, with the top 10 finalists now battling for cash prizes that include a $300,000 (Rwf 437 million) grand award, $250,000 (Rwf 364 million) for the first runner-up, $150,000 (Rwf 218 million) for the second runner-up, and $100,000 (Rwf 146 million) for each of the remaining seven finalists. Winners will be announced on Saturday, December 13.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony, Juliana Muganza, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, welcomed participants to Kigali and underscored Rwanda’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.
“We are proud that ABH has chosen Kigali as the host city for the grand finale for the third year running. This is not by coincidence,” she said. “Entrepreneurship is not just a tool for development, it is an engine of transformation.”
Muganza praised the resilience and creativity of African entrepreneurs, noting that the top ten finalists rose to the top from over 32,000 applicants. She highlighted the impact of ABH on past participants, citing the example of Rwanda’s Vuba Vuba founder, who leveraged the programme to sharpen his business clarity and scale regionally.
“This is the legacy of ABH: not just funding, but a shift in mindset,” she said, adding that Rwanda is building an enabling ecosystem of innovation hubs, special economic zones and digitised services to support visionary founders. She urged investors to bring “smart and patient capital” that grows with African entrepreneurs.
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Sun Lijun, President of Alibaba Global Initiatives, reflected on the growth of the competition, now in its seventh year, and its role in celebrating African innovation.
“ABH has become the most influential entrepreneurship competition in Africa,” Sun said. “African people never lack problem-solvers. Many problems in Africa can be solved through African innovation.”
He thanked Rwanda for its continued partnership, saying the country had become “the true home of ABH” because of its stability, ambition, and support for entrepreneurship. Sun noted Alibaba’s increasing investment in Africa and highlighted the rising use of the company’s open-source Qwen AI model among African founders.
“We firmly believe that in the future a large number of outstanding African entrepreneurs will bring profound change to Africa,” he said.
{{ABH celebrates seven years and 70 heroes
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Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Head of Africa’s Business Heroes, delivered an emotional welcome, celebrating the programme’s seven-year journey from Jack Ma’s vision to a continental movement that has supported 70 entrepreneurs, created 120,000 jobs and impacted over 40 million lives.
“Our heroes are defining Africa’s future today,” she said. “Africa’s future is not some distant idea. It is being built right now by its entrepreneurs.”
She highlighted the programme’s inclusive reach, from hosting its first Francophone semifinal to introducing ABI, an AI-powered co-host built using Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen model. She praised this year’s finalists for their grit, passion and innovation, calling on participants to “engage deeply, learn boldly, and collaborate widely.”
“African entrepreneurs are redefining what is possible,” she said. “When you build, communities rise. When you hire, dignity grows. When you innovate, you show the world that Africa’s time is now.”
The 2025 top ten finalists represent seven African countries and a diverse mix of high-impact sectors. Kenya leads with three entrepreneurs: Wyclife Onyango of BuuPass, whose platform is modernising transport and digital ticketing; Janet Kuteli of Fortune Credit, a fintech innovator expanding microfinance access; and Abraham Mbuthia of Uzapoint Technologies, which provides digital tools for small businesses.
Rwanda’s finalist, Diane Mukasahaha, heads DIKAM Ltd, a textile enterprise empowering women and youth.
Tanzania is represented by two innovators: Baraka Chijenga of Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa, an AgriTech venture supporting food security, and Diana Orembe of NovFeed, which is pioneering biotech solutions for sustainable agriculture. From Senegal, Siny Samba of Le Lionceau is transforming foodtech and infant nutrition, while Egypt’s Gohar Said leads Suplyd, a company digitising supply chain systems for the food industry.
South Africa’s Adriaan Kruger brings expertise in healthtech through his company nuvoteQ, and Cameroon’s Jean Lobe Lobe completes the cohort with Waspito, a telemedicine platform expanding access to healthcare across the region.
The entrepreneurs will pitch their solutions during the summit, with judges assessing them on innovation, impact, leadership, financial sustainability and scalability, before finalists return to the stage on Saturday when the 2025 Africa’s Business Hero will be crowned.
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.
