Rwanda has informed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it is fully prepared to receive Félicien Kabuga and six Rwandans currently hosted in Niger, should they wish to return home.
The six individuals are Zigiranyirazo Protais, Col. Nteziryayo Alphonse, Capt. Sagahutu Innocent, Mugiraneza Prosper, and Maj. Nzuwonemeye François-Xavier. Some have completed their sentences after being convicted of genocide-related crimes, while others have been granted amnesty.
Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Martin Ngoga, conveyed this position to the UNSC on December 10, 2025, during discussions focused on the role of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT).
Ambassador Ngoga began by commending Slovenia for its presidency of the Council and for its valuable contributions over the past two years.
He emphasized that Rwanda is prepared to receive Félicien Kabuga and the six Rwandans hosted in Niger, should they wish to return.
Ambassador Ngoga noted that the Rwandans still residing in Niger should not remain a responsibility of the United Nations when their families and their own country are prepared to receive them. He reiterated that Rwanda stands ready to take them in, should they choose to return.
“Rwanda also wishes to address the situation of Félicien Kabuga, who remains in The Hague pending a decision on his relocation. While Rwanda respects the Court’s determination, we reiterate that Rwanda remains fully prepared to receive Mr. Kabuga should he be transferred to his home country. Rwanda continues to stand as a strong and appropriate option for his relocation whenever the Mechanism deems it suitable.”
The Nigerien government has indicated that it does not wish to host these Rwandans permanently. In late 2021, it attempted to deport them, but the IRMCT reported that no other country was willing to accept them except Rwanda. Subsequently, Niger removed their freedom of movement and confiscated their identification documents, effectively confining them to the residence where they were being hosted in Niamey.
The IRMCT has indicated that whenever these Rwandans are willing to leave voluntarily, it will coordinate with the Rwandan government to ensure their security. Should they continue to refuse, discussions will persist between the Mechanism and potential host countries to determine alternative arrangements.
