KIGALI, Rwanda — The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), a key United Nations body established to finalize the proceedings of tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, announced the closure of its last field office in Rwanda, signaling the end of a significant chapter in the pursuit of justice for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Abubacarr M. Tambadou, the IRMCT Registrar, made the announcement during his visit to Kigali, noting that the closure, effective August 31, 2024, marks the culmination of nearly 30 years of UN efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the genocide. The decision follows the completion of the tribunal’s mandate, which began with the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in November 1994.
The ICTR, initially based in Arusha, concluded its operations in December 2015, passing its remaining responsibilities to the IRMCT, which was created by the UN Security Council in 2010. The IRMCT was tasked with continuing the work of both the ICTR and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
Tambadou highlighted the historical significance of the tribunals’ work in Rwanda and the transition towards reducing the UN court’s presence and activities in the country. The closure follows the IRMCT’s decision last year to halt the case against Felicien Kabuga, one of the most wanted fugitives, due to his unfitness for trial. This, coupled with the confirmed deaths of other key fugitives, rendered the IRMCT’s trial functions in Rwanda redundant.
Despite the office closure, Tambadou emphasized that the IRMCT’s engagement with Rwanda would continue, particularly in witness protection and other mandated activities, albeit primarily from its Arusha branch. Responsibilities such as the transfer of services to Rwandan authorities or NGOs will ensure the continuation of essential functions beyond the mechanism’s physical presence in Kigali.
Additionally, the IRMCT’s Office of the Prosecutor will maintain a limited presence in Rwanda to assist local authorities and continue the search for remaining fugitives, ensuring ongoing collaboration in the pursuit of justice.
