Category: News

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.

Ukraine will review the document, add its proposals and return it to the United States in several days, Zelensky told reporters.

He stressed that the security assurance document they were working on would ultimately go to the Ukrainian Congress, and they would need congressional support, emphasizing that effective security guarantees are necessary.

According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Zelensky also announced that a draft peace plan being developed between Ukraine and the United States now envisages limiting Ukraine’s military personnel to 800,000 service members.

Commenting on the issue regarding the territory of the Donetsk region, Zelensky said current U.S. proposals are “not in the interests of Ukraine,” but emphasized the need to continue discussions to find a compromise.

If one side pulls back its forces by 5 or 10 km from the front line, the other should do the same, he said.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said: “Why should we plead with the United States? We are not in the business of pleading with the United States. We are a sovereign state. They are a sovereign state.”

The minister said that Pretoria will make decisions in the interest of South Africa, while still acknowledging the United States as a strategic trading partner. “That’s why we continue to engage with them on the trade-related matters on South Africa and matters of mutual interest,” she noted.

Speaking on the upcoming G20 Sherpa meeting this month, Ntshavheni said South Africa had indicated its availability to participate.

Ntshavheni stressed that as a founding member of the G20, South Africa’s commitment to “multilateralism and cooperation” remains unwavering, adding that countries could achieve prosperity through multilateralism and collaboration.

The order gives the federal government authority to evaluate state AI laws and potentially withhold federal broadband funding part of a $42 billion program from states whose regulations the administration views as overly restrictive or confusing for innovation.

Trump and his advisers argue that a patchwork of 50 different regulatory systems could slow growth and make compliance difficult for companies developing AI tools, particularly startups.

“We want to have one central source of approval,” the president said, emphasizing the need for a national standard rather than varied local rules.

The order directs the Secretary of Commerce to review state laws and use the funding threat selectively against the most “onerous” regulations while saying it will not challenge rules designed to protect children or address safety concerns.

Major technology firms, including OpenAI, Google and Meta, which have called for federal leadership on AI policy, welcomed the move.

However, critics, including Democratic lawmakers and some state leaders, argue the measure could undermine consumer protections and states’ rights, potentially violating the U.S. Constitution’s 10th Amendment.

Several states, such as California and New York, have already passed or are considering their own AI laws related to algorithmic transparency, deepfakes and personalized pricing regulations that could be affected by the new federal order.

Trump’s action comes amid wider political debate over how to govern AI, with lawmakers divided over how much power should sit with Washington versus individual states as technology continues to advance and impact sectors from business to civil liberties.

The promotions were announced on the morning of Friday, December 12, 2025, by the RDF leadership.

Innocent Munyengango, Commander of the Logistics Brigade and François Regis Gatarayiha, Head of Defence Intelligence Department at RDF Headquarters were elevated from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General.

Additionally, 43 officers holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel were promoted to Colonel, while 253 with the rank of Major were elevated to Lieutenant Colonel.

A total of 79 Captains were promoted to Major, and 299 Lieutenants were elevated to Captain.

Among others, eleven soldiers moved from the rank of Staff Sergeant to Sergeant Major. Another 2,296 personnel were promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant.

Furthermore, 10,260 soldiers rose from the rank of Corporal to Sergeant, while 7,822 personnel were promoted from Private to Corporal.

He made the remarks on December 11, 2025, during the swearing-in ceremony of new officials, including Dr. Usta Kayitesi, appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Dr. Solange Uwituze, appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources; and Dr. Charles Muligande, appointed Senator.

Also sworn in were two newly appointed judges of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Didace Nshimiyimana and Dr. Jules Marius Ntete.

President Kagame noted that although similar reminders are often given during swearing-in ceremonies, repeating them is necessary because the responsibilities entrusted to senior leaders must be taken seriously.

“The responsibilities we hold demand different kinds of effort—and a great deal of it. Those who fall short may have their reasons, depending on the circumstances and resources of their countries; some even grow complacent.

“But for our country, considering where we come from, where we are headed, and the unique challenges we face, we must work in extraordinary ways. We must use every ability we possess—our knowledge, our intelligence—and above all, align with the determination to deliver,” he noted.

He added that challenges are numerous: “Some problems are solved, others emerge; some persist. Given our past, our present, and our ambitions for the future, these challenges demand even greater effort, wisdom, and discipline.”

The judges sworn in today were appointed during the Cabinet meeting held on November 28, 2028, while the Ministers of State and Senator Dr. Muligande were appointed on December 1.

{{Profiles of newly appointed leaders}}

{{Dr. Solange Uwituze}}

Recently appointed Minister of State in MINAGRI, Dr. Uwituze replaced Dr. Ndabamenye. She had been serving as Acting Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), a role she also assumed after replacing Dr.
Ndabamenye when he joined the government. Before that, she was Deputy Director General of RAB.

Dr. Uwituze serves as Board Chair of Gabiro AgriHub Business Ltd, and Deputy Board Chair of Gako Meat Company Ltd.

She is also a board member of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and a founding fellow of the Rwanda Academy of Sciences (RAS).

{{Dr. Usta Kayitesi}}

Appointed Minister of State in MINAFFET, Dr. Kayitesi previously served as a Senator and chaired the Committee on Political Affairs and Governance. She replaces Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who was named Senior Security Advisor in the Office of the President.

Dr. Kayitesi previously served as CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) from July 2019 to August 2024, taking over after serving as its Deputy CEO. She holds a PhD in Law and formerly lectured at the former National University of Rwanda. She also served as Principal of the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).

She was among the seven commissioners who worked on the 2015 Constitutional review, serving as the Commission’s Vice Chair.

{{Dr. Charles Muligande}}

The newly appointed Senator replaces Dr. Usta Kayitesi following her new appointment. Dr. Muligande is a seasoned public servant with a long career in Rwanda’s political and diplomatic spheres.

He holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame de la Paix in Namur, Belgium. From 1994–1995, he served as Advisor to the President on Foreign Affairs. Between 1995 and 1997, he was Minister of Transport and Communications before becoming Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.

He later served as Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi and as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2002 to 2008.

He briefly served as Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs (2008–2009) and then as Minister of Education (2009–2011) before being appointed Rwanda’s ambassador to several countries between 2011 and 2015, including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.

In June 2016, he became Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda in charge of Institutional Advancement, a role he held until his retirement.

The latest batch of returnees comprised 234 children, 22 men, and 81 women, who crossed into Rwanda through La Corniche border post linking Goma and Rubavu.

The repatriation follows agreements reached during a tripartite meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.

Upon arrival on December 11, 2025, returnees were taken to the Kijote Transit Camp in Nyabihu District.

These Rwandans had been living in a transit camp in Goma after fleeing from various areas in eastern DRC, where they had been held captive by the FDLR.

The Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of social affairs, Ishimwe Pacifique, urged the returnees to join others in building the nation.

“We consider you as the strength we had lost, but we are happy to join hands with you in rebuilding the nation,” she noted.

Returnees will be provided with essential documents, and further assistance to facilitate their reintegration.

Those over 18 years old will receive $188, while those under 18 will receive $113. Additionally, each individual will be given essential food supplies worth Frw 45,000.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions were chaired by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, and Wojciech Zajączkowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

During the meeting, both leaders also exchanged views on current developments in regional and multilateral issues.

The meeting comes at a time when the relationship between Rwanda and Poland continues to grow stronger.

During Polish President Andrzej Duda’s visit to Kigali in February 2024, the two countries signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for trade and economic cooperation, as well as collaboration in green technologies, environmental engineering, geology, and energy efficiency.

Education remains a cornerstone of this partnership, as the 2022 Rwanda-Poland Education Forum led to the signing of a series of MoUs between UR and four Polish universities.

On November 13, 2024, Poland and Rwanda signed an Air Service Agreement to enable regular flights between the two countries, creating opportunities to enhance economic and cultural exchanges.

Diplomatic ties have also grown in recent years, with Rwanda opening its embassy in Warsaw in 2021, followed by Poland opening its embassy in Kigali the following year.

Paluku, a veteran journalist and former head of Radio Kivu One, was reportedly shot in Goma. The attackers remain unidentified.

According to a statement from AFC/M23 Cabinet Director, Jean-Pierre Lukamba Alumba Omokoko, Paluku died at Goma General Hospital.

“Following this criminal act, investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Lukamba stated, while extending condolences to the family of the deceased and the revolutionary community in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

A native of Butembo in North Kivu Province, Paluku joined AFC/M23 in July 2024. Since then, he had frequently been seen alongside the coalion political coordinator Corneille Nangaa, with sources indicating that their relationship went beyond professional ties and that the two were close friends.