With our correspondent in The Hague, Stéphanie Maupas

This time it is Tanzania that is opposing the return of the eight Rwandans to its territory. For years, they lived in Arusha in a UN residence. But Dodoma now believes that the temporary agreement in force before their departure for Niger is no longer valid.

In November, the ICTR mechanism had finally reached an agreement with Niger. Niamey agreed to welcome the Rwandans on its soil. But at the end of December, and following protests from Rwanda, an expulsion order was issued by Niger's courts. The ICTR judge had to acknowledge the violation of the agreement by the authorities in Niamey and reported the matter to the UN.

Seized by the lawyers, the mechanism judge acknowledged his powerlessness last week. In a decision, he explained that the fate of the eight is now a matter of politics and diplomacy.

From the Mechanism's side, it is indicated that it is still "status quo". Discussions continue to find a territory for the eight Rwandans, who refuse to return to Rwanda. Especially since Kigali had not hidden its intention to retry some of them.

In the meantime, the Rwandans' residence in Niamey is still under surveillance by Niger's police. And according to their lawyers, they still have no documents.