Government may release tens of thousands of alleged perpetrators of genocide if they confess by 15 March 2004 – some 90,000 currently in custody awaiting trial. International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), based in Tanzania, considering holding some trials in Rwanda to speed up trial process. Government denounced ICTR acquittal of genocide of 2 former senior government officials. President Kagame declared his and family’s wealth to state ombudsman in effort to promote transparency.

Refugees returned to Rwanda from Uganda and DRC, but hardline Hutu rebels tried to prevent return of Hutus from DRC, holding hostage at least 3,000 former Rwandan fighters, according to UN mission in DRC. Former Rwandan minister for higher education, Jean de Dieu Kamuhanda, received 2 life sentences from Tribunal 22 January for genocide and crimes against humanity. Some defence lawyers at Tribunal went on 3-day strike claiming “serious deterioration” in rights of accused.

Three Rwandan media executives convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity by International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda for inciting slaughter of Tutsis in 1994. Two jailed for life, other for 27 years.

Eight ministers and senior officials from former government went on trial before International Criminal Tribunal, charged with planning genocide. President Paul Kagame met with new tribunal prosecutor, Hassan Jallow, 13 November, and pledged cooperation. U.S. relaunched $5m reward for capture of suspected leaders of genocide still at large. Surrender of Rwandan leader of Hutu rebel group in DR Congo greeted as positive step by government – hopes that other DRC-based Rwandan Hutu rebels will follow lead.

Ruling party, Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), overwhelmingly won country's first multiparty parliamentary election since 1994 genocide, with 74% of vote. EU observers said 30 September poll marred by “irregularities and fraud” in most provinces. Two-chamber parliament sworn in 10 October. President Kagame asked parliament to establish ombudsman’s office to which all government officials will be required to declare assets. Government seeking to demobilise thousands of soldiers.

Paul Kagame sworn in as president on 12 September after winning first direct universal suffrage elections since 1994. EU observer team had strong reservations about openness and fairness of electoral environment. Voting in parliamentary elections commenced on 30 September. New prosecutor of International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Hassan Jallow, commenced four-year term on 15 September.

Held first presidential election since the 1994 genocide on 25 August 2003. Incumbent President Paul Kagame, a Tutsi, received 95% of the vote, with about 80% turnout. Opposition says will challenge result in court. Election monitors criticised government for not allowing opposition parties to compete on equal footing. UN Security Council voted to replace Carla Del Ponte as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda with UN Secretary-General nominating Gambian judge, Hassan Jallow.