Martin K. Ngoga, a seasoned legal mind and respected figure in East African diplomacy, has officially begun his tenure as Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
On May 22, 2025, Ambassador Ngoga presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the organization’s headquarters in New York, signaling a new chapter in Rwanda’s global diplomatic engagement.
Ambassador Ngoga brings over two decades of distinguished service in justice, regional governance, and international diplomacy.
Born on March 2, 1968, in Kagera, Tanzania, he holds a Master’s degree in Genocide Studies and Prevention from the University of Rwanda and a Bachelor of Laws with Honors from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Prior to his UN appointment, he served as Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Kenya and its Permanent Representative to both the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat.
From 2017 to 2022, he held the influential position of Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), having also served as a Member of Parliament within the same body from 2015 to 2017.
Ngoga’s legacy in Rwanda’s justice sector is substantial. He served as Prosecutor General from 2006 to 2013, preceded by his role as Deputy Prosecutor General.
Earlier, he was Rwanda’s Special Representative to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), playing a critical role in post-genocide justice.
During the credential ceremony, he expressed Rwanda’s continued commitment to multilateral cooperation.
“I bring you warm greetings from the President, the Government, and the people of Rwanda. I take the role with commitment to work with you, and everyone in the United Nations family to engage constructively to advance shared ideas,” he said.
Ngoga succeeds Ernest Rwamucyo, who now represents Rwanda in Kenya. As Rwanda continues its vital contributions to UN peacekeeping and refugee humanitarian efforts, Ambassador Ngoga’s appointment underscores the country’s strategic diplomatic focus and its investment in experienced leadership on the world stage.
