Minister Ugirashebuja made the call on Monday 31st July 2023 after attending the ceremony to sign a grant agreement of €19.5 million (approximately Rwf25 billion) between the European Union and Rwanda to strengthen the justice sector and propel reconciliation and human rights efforts in the country.

With over 1,100 extradition requests sent by Rwanda’s Prosecution to 33 countries globally, some nations have shown a willingness to cooperate, while others remain hesitant, according to Dr. Ugirashebuja.

He expressed confidence in the ongoing discussions and believes Rwandan justice has demonstrated its capacity to effectively try these criminals.

The majority (approximately 90%) of the fugitives are hiding in various African countries, while around a hundred are located in Europe, particularly in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark and other European nations.

Belén Calvo Uyarra, European Union Ambassador to Rwanda emphasized the need for the 27 member states to intensify their efforts in prosecuting those accused of participating in the Genocide against the Tutsi.

She also expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts between Rwanda, Europe, and the United Nations to ensure that all accused individuals face justice.

The EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Belén Calvo Uyarra (center), Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana (left), along with the Minister of Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja (right) chatting after the signing of a grant agreement to reinforce Rwanda's judiciary and efforts to promote reconciliation.