President Gatti Santana concludes official visit to Rwanda on the occasion of Kwibuka31

The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, today concluded an official visit to the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda). The visit took place on the occasion of the Thirty-First Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka31).

President Gatti Santana commenced her visit by meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, who briefed her on relevant United Nations activities in Rwanda. The two discussed the future of the Mechanism’s residual functions and opportunities for further collaboration, which could harness the experience and expertise of the United Nations in Rwanda.

While in Kigali, President Gatti Santana also met with a number of high-level Rwandan officials, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda, H.E. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, and the Commissioner General of the Rwandan Correctional Service, Mr. Evariste Murenzi. In addition, the Honourable Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Rwanda, Ms. Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, hosted President Gatti Santana at the Supreme Court of Rwanda.

During her meetings with the Rwandan officials, President Gatti Santana expressed her gratitude for Rwanda’s strong and long-standing support. The topics of discussion included an update on the Mechanism’s judicial activities, including the recent review hearing in the Prosecutor v. Gérard Ntakirutimana case, as well as the cases of Mr. Félicien Kabuga and Mr. Fulgence Kayishema. In addition, the President addressed the enforcement of sentences and archives management, as well as the national registration of convictions and the potential establishment of information centres. The discussions also focused on the future of the Mechanism’s long-term functions and their importance to Rwanda’s ongoing national reconciliation.

In the context of commemorative events taking place this year, President Gatti Santana attended the Kwibuka31 International Conference on Genocide on 6 April 2025. Organised by the Rwandan Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, the theme of this event was “When Never Again Fails: Continuation of Genocide Ideology”. President Gatti Santana concluded her visit by taking part in today’s official Kwibuka31 Commemoration in Kigali, which marked 31 years since the beginning of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.