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