ICRC President concludes first official visit to Rwanda

During her visit, President Spoljaric met with H.E. President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, to discuss the humanitarian situation in the Great Lakes region and the critical role of international humanitarian law in protecting civilians and alleviating suffering. She also reaffirmed ICRC’s readiness to act as a neutral intermediary to support any humanitarian aspects of agreements reached by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of wider peace negotiations.

The visit was also an opportunity to discuss how Rwanda can contribute to the global initiative to galvanise political commitment for international humanitarian law, which the ICRC launched together with six states in September 2024 as an exceptional effort to bring states across the world together and revive respect for the rules of war. 

While in Kigali, President Spoljaric met with staff and volunteers of the Rwanda Red Cross Society, including the organisation’s president, Mr. Wilson Karasira, and secretary-general, Mr. Apollinaire Karamaga.

The ICRC has been present in Rwanda since 1963, including during and after the 1994 genocide. Today, its work in Rwanda focuses on promoting international humanitarian law, reconnecting separated family members, and responding to the humanitarian needs created by the conflict in the Great Lakes region.

Following her visit to Rwanda, President Spoljaric will travel to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo to meet with authorities, partners, and civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict.