Letter to Igihe.com Readers

Dear readers of igihe.com,

I am happy to share with you some ideas about execution of foreign judgments in the Republic of Rwanda.

Due to Rwanda’s open policy and commitments to contribute positively to international justice, peace and security, Rwanda has made major political and policy decisions, which we wish all Rwandans to understand.

In terms of international peace keeping missions, Rwanda contributes troops in international trouble spots, where Rwandans, sons and daughters, risk their lives in the quest of international stability, peace, law and order.

Rwanda does this consciously and has accepted to pay the cost that it entails.

Similarly, in terms of justice, Rwanda has signed treaties and memorandum of understanding with different international actors, including the ICTR, the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone, bilateral engagements, etc., to have foreigners serve their sentences in Rwanda, as part of executing foreign courts judgments on the Rwandan national territory.

It follows therefore that if MrRajat Gupta is sentenced and ordered by the Court to serve his sentence in Rwanda, Rwanda would have no objection to such order by the Court.

It is in the same spirit that there are Sierra Leoneans serving their sentences in Rwanda.

It is equally in the same way that some Rwandans sentenced by the ICTR in Arusha are serving their sentences in countries like Mali and other countries. There is nothing new or strange in this.

Rwanda will remain open to facilitate the cause of International Justice in accordance with the laws of this country, for as long as Rwanda sees value in its international obligation and national policy frameworks.

If the United States of America court decides that Mr Gupta or any other American should serve their sentence in Rwanda, Rwanda would have no objection to executing that Court Order for as long as there is clear understanding between Rwanda and parties concerned on the modalities for executing such sentences in Rwanda.

Thank you all for your understanding.

Tharcisse KARUGARAMA

Republic of Rwanda