HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING FOR ACOTA TRAINING

UNCLAS STATE 112255

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
ATTENTION: POLOFF JENNIFER ORRICO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PHUM PREL RW MASS
SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING FOR ACOTA TRAINING

REF: KIGALI 681


1. The Department of State has reviewed its files and finds
that as of August 1, 2007 a Colonel Ngoga was mentioned in a
cable identified as 99060031454INS7454col; Origine ATS-INA;
06/03/1999. The cable reported a copy of an e-mail sent to a
selected in-government group from a disgruntled journalist
who has since left the country and is now working for VOA.
He outlines the extensive corruption in the Rwandan
government by a select group. Among others accused of
various unlawful activities, a Col. Ngoga is accused of
stealing cows belonging to the Abagogwe people. He and
others accused of this crime were placed under house arrest
for two weeks but nothing more became of the investigation
nor punishment. Vetting authenticator noted that although
the name Ngoga appeared many times in cables sent, this was
the only cable where the investigator had a reasonable doubt
as to what part, if any, he may have played in this
operation. Also this report was simply a written accusation
made and no proof of guilt was established.


2. Therefore, the Department of State has reviewed its files
and finds that as of August 1, 2007, it possesses no credible
information of gross violations of human rights by the
following canditate for ACOTA Training nor has the Department
of State as of August 1, 2007 found credible information of
gross violations of human rights by the 35th Infantry
Battalion of the 301st Infantry Brigade as a unit:

Name: Alexis Kayumba Ngoga
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
DOB: 06 February, 1967
Training Date: 06 August, 2007

Name: 35th Infantry Battalion of the 301st Infantry Brigade
Training Dates: 06 August to 21 September, 2007


3. Post using its discretion is, therefore, authorized to
forward the following verification message: "Embassy
verifies that as of August 1, 2007, the Department of State
possesses no credible information of gross violations of
human rights by the Rwandan candidate of the Infantry
Battalion of the 301st Infantry Brigade for ACOTA training
listed above. This cable completes the joint human rights
vetting approval process for the officer and unit cited."
Note that if at any time Embassy becomes aware of any
information regarding incidents which could be deemed to be
credible information of grass violation of human rights by
the personnel or unit involved in this training, Embassy
should so inform the Department.
RICE