HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING INFORMATION FOR ACOTA

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 036459 SIPDIS NOFORN SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/22/2017 TAGS: PGOV MARR PHUM RW SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING INFORMATION FOR ACOTA TRAINING, USG FUNDED AIRLIFT AND ANY AND ALL SUPPORT TO DARFUR, AMIS II REF: A. STATE 15216 ¶B. KIGAIL 146 ¶C. KIGALI 178 ¶D. KIGALI 36 Classified By: Amy Nicodemus AF/C; Reason 1.4 (C) and (D) ¶1. (U) This is an action message. Please see paragraphs 4 and 5. ¶2. (U) This cable refers to the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) personnel below: NAME: Goodman Ruzibiza RANK: Lieutenant Colonel CURRRENT ASSIGNMENT: Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) GENDER: Male ¶3. (C/NF) Background: Based on extensive consultations and a thorough review of its files, the Department of State has determined that as of March 22, 2007, the USG is unable to currently provide any assistance, military or otherwise, to LTC Goodman Ruzibiza, as the commander of the RDF peacekeeping force that Would deploy to Darfur. This decision is based on information indicating that LTC Ruzibiza was tried and convicted in connection with a 1996 incident in which Rwandan armed forces committed human rights abuses. Although the precise extent of LTC Ruzibiza,s involvement in this incident remains unclear, the Department believes the prudent course is to err on the side of caution. The Department notes, however, that should additional exculpatory information become available regarding Ruzibiza, his case could be reviewed in regard to future USG funded training opportunities or other deployments. ¶4. (U) Post should provide the following statement to the Rwandan authorities at the appropriate level: The United States Government is unable at this time to assist any military contingent that includes LTC Goodman Ruzibiza. We regret any inconvenience that this may cause you and appreciate your willingness to replace LTC Ruzibiza with another commander of the 14th battalion that will deploy to Darfur. We also wish to express our continued respect for the exceptionally professional and generous contribution of the GOR/RPF to peacekeeping efforts in Darfur. Please advise us of the name of the replacement commander so that we can complete the vetting as required under United States law. ¶5. (U) Post is asked to confirm via cable GOR agreement to replace LTC Ruzibiza. RICE