Chief Prosecutor Brammertz Concludes Mission to Rwanda

Mr. Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, has concluded an official visit to Kigali, Rwanda from 4 to 9 November 2024, as part of preparations for his regular biannual report to the United Nations Security Council.

The Prosecutor had high-level meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, the Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, Mr. Aimable Havugiyaremye, and the Prosecutor General, Angélique Habyarimana.

The Prosecutor also convened-together with the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and Aegis Trust-a series of high-level events in Kigali focused on strengthening global efforts to prevent genocide and related crimes from the perspective of critical angles instrumental to prevention. This weeklong initiative, which took place from 4 to 9 November 2024, included a workshop for women community leaders, an expert consultation on mediation for prevention, and an international conference on ethnicity and prevention, all aimed at advancing practical solutions to some of the most complex challenges in the field of genocide prevention with a view on immediate implementation.

During his visit, Prosecutor Brammertz sought to bring visibility and attention to the continuing need for justice in relation to crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. While many perpetrators have been punished for their crimes, 30 years after the Genocide there are still more than 1,000 fugitive génocidaires in countries around the world who need to be accounted for. The Prosecutor continues through his engagement with national partners in countries across three continents to support the justice process and encourage a pro-active dynamic in collaboration with the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP).

At the conclusion of his visit, Prosecutor Brammertz gave the following statement:

I am pleased to have had the opportunity to engage with our Rwandan partners, update them on developments and discuss how we can together achieve more justice for move survivors and victims of crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

All of us share a common goal and a clear understanding of the situation. Many perpetrators have been punished for their crimes. But there is still much more work to be done. It is our responsibility to work together to ensure that fugitive génocidaires no longer enjoy safe haven and impunity.

That is why my Office-at the request of Rwandan authorities-has been redoubling our efforts to assist prosecutors in Rwanda and other countries to locate fugitives, complete investigations and bring perpetrators to justice. In the last year, my Office has provided legal, evidentiary, investigative and strategic assistance in response to more than 30 separate requests, including concerning ongoing investigators and prosecutions in Rwanda, France, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, and the United States of America. In addition, my Office has deepened our engagement with these and other partners, including by briefing the Eurojust Genocide Network and convening a trilateral meeting with the Prosecutor General of Rwanda and the Head of the French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecution Office.

It is evident that in Rwanda and elsewhere, there is a renewed urgency and dedication to achieving more justice for more victims and survivors of the Genocide. My Office is determined to provide our national partners with the support and assistance they need to be successful in the courtroom and bring more génocidaires to account.

Prosecutor Brammertz is expected to brief the United Nations Security Council in December.